Despite the Indian team facing a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the Australian team in the Final, the Indian campaign leading up to the grand stage was nothing but extraordinary. Rohit Sharma led the Indian team and entered the final riding on a 10-match winning streak. The speciality of that campaign was that every player in the team delivered for the team whenever the team was in need. One of such players who impressed one and all was Indian pacer Mohammed Shami.
Shami delivered back-to-back sensational performances for the Men in Blue throughout the World Cup 2023 campaign. The right-arm pacer excelled, securing 24 wickets at an average of 10.70 and an economy rate of 5.26. Surprisingly, these numbers which Shami achieved were in just seven games. Overall, the 33-year-old speedster emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
Now according to a news published in Times of India, sources reveal that Shami is a contender for the Arjuna Award. The selection committee has recommended the veteran speedster for the prestigious accolade this year, recognizing his outstanding performance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Sources also revealed that the Indian Cricket Board (ICB) had made a special request to the Sports Ministry. Initially, Shami’s name was not included in the list for the Arjuna Award, which is the second-highest sporting honour.
Let us look at how Twitter has reacted to this news:
The rise of shami???
— Amina Riaz (@DrAmina145) December 13, 2023
You deserve it completely. Shami Bhai. Keep shining ???? pic.twitter.com/7ebnjeN0pX
— Karthik (@vsk_says) December 13, 2023
Congratulations to the man! ?
— Jigar Punadiya (@Jigspunadiya) December 13, 2023
Well deserved for sure
— Raj Paladi (@IamRajPaladi) December 13, 2023
Congratulations to Shami Bhai
— Manoj Tiwari (@ManojTiwariIND) December 13, 2023
Proud moment for Shami ?
— Raghav ? (@_there4you) December 13, 2023
One of finnest bowler from india ?
— ??????????'? (@cid_r4y) December 13, 2023
Best contender for this award
— Chad Singh (@Chaddsinghh) December 13, 2023
Crowds queue up outside Mohammed Shami’s house after his return
Undoubtedly, the fan following of Mohammed Shami after his heroics at the World Cup 2023 has broken all records. Although Shami has consistently been recognized as one of the premier fast bowlers globally, especially in Test cricket, his World Cup performance has further elevated his popularity. To the extent that on Sunday, he shared a video depicting sizable crowds assembling outside his residence. The fans were eager for a glimpse of him or an opportunity to take a photo with him.
In the same vein, for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, Shami is expected to make a significant comeback as a crucial part of the Indian squad. The eagerly awaited series will commence with a Boxing Day match on December 26th at Centurion.
