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'3 Match Me 13 Wickets Li': Shami Blames Kohli-Shastri For Bias Selection In 2019 WC | Watch

Akshita Patel

Mohammad Shami raises his voice against Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri duo (X.com)Mohammad Shami raises his voice against Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri duo (X.com)

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In a candid interview, Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami made a startling accusation of former captain Virat Kohli and ex-head coach Ravi Shastri for consciously ignoring him during the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand despite notable performance in the tournament. 

Mohammad Shami unravelled his magic in the 2023 ODI World Cup wherein he picked up 24 wickets in seven games while battling a heel injury. 

He came in as replacement for injured Hardik Pandya and finished as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament. However, he risked his heel injury, which worsened as he had to be sent abroad for surgery.

That being said, while Shami continued his rehab, he appeared on a chat show with journalist Shubhankar Mishra. 

In a controversial segment, Mohammad Shami was seen taking an indirect dig at former Indian captain Virat Kohli and ex-head coach Ravi Shastri for ignoring him during the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. 

Shami alleged that he had picked 13 wickets in 3 games and overall 14 dismissals in 4 matchups in the tournament. Yet he was snubbed from the important knockout game, which was puzzling.

The fast bowler added that he cannot show his skills if he gets stripped from these deserving chances. However, he never took the matter up to anyone as Shami feels those who have faith will come to him.

While the pacer didn't name anyone, his dig was clear as the Kohli-Shastri duo were in charge of decision-making during the 2019 World Cup.

Notably, India lost the semi-final to New Zealand by a small margin of 18 runs in what turned out to be yet another heartbreaking ouster of the men in blue from an ICC tournament.