Mohammed Shami has been one of India’s most consistent bowlers across formats, with 229 wickets in 64 Tests, 206 in 108 ODIs, and 27 in 25 T20Is. He was the highest wicket-taker at the 2023 ODI World Cup with 24 dismissals and shared the top spot for India at the 2025 Champions Trophy with nine wickets.
But despite these achievements, the fast bowler has often faced online abuse, especially after India’s loss to Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup, when some users on social media called him “a traitor” and “anti-national.”
Speaking to News24, Shami said he tries not to let such trolling affect him. “I pay no heed to such trolling. I have been given a job. I am not a machine. If I am working hard throughout the year, sometimes I will fail, sometimes I will succeed. It’s up to people how they want to take that,” he said.
For Shami, representing India remains above everything else. “When you play for your country, you forget all such things. For you, taking wickets and winning the match become more important. I don’t want to go on social media at such times. You see both positive and negative comments. When you’re playing, you need to stay far away from such things,” he added.
He described trolls as “keyboard warriors” and urged fans to show respect even when they criticise. “We work hard to succeed. Trolls just have to type two lines. True fans will never do such things. If you think you can do better than me, please come and try. It’s always open,” Shami said.
Amid talks about his future in the Indian team, the 34-year-old pacer brushed aside retirement rumours, making it clear he is not done yet. He said he is ready to play domestic cricket and work his way back into the national squad.
