Senior Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami expressed his displeasure over Mitchell Marsh’s actions, where the latter placed his feet on the World Cup trophy and took photos with it.
Following Australia’s triumph in the World Cup 2023 final, a controversial image surfaced, capturing all-rounder Mitchell Marsh placing his feet on the coveted World Cup trophy during the team’s celebration at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The photograph quickly went viral, drawing strong criticism from fans who deemed Marsh’s act as disrespectful towards the prestigious trophy.
Amid the widespread condemnation, Mohammed Shami, the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, echoed the sentiments of disappointed Indian fans. Shami expressed his discontent with Marsh’s action, emphasizing the significance of the World Cup trophy that all teams passionately compete for. In a recent interview with PUMA, Shami stated that he felt upset witnessing Marsh casually placing his foot on the trophy, which symbolizes the collective dreams and efforts of teams vying for cricket’s ultimate glory.
After securing victory in the World Cup, Mitchell Marsh expressed his sheer joy, describing the journey as the toughest eight weeks of cricket he has been a part of. Marsh, thrilled to be with this exceptional group, conveyed the unbelievable feeling of triumph.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, despite being benched in the first four matches, emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with an impressive tally of 23 wickets. India’s decision to opt for Shardul Thakur in the initial matches, ostensibly for batting depth, changed when Hardik Pandya’s injury prompted the inclusion of specialist pacer Shami from the fifth match. Shami’s stellar performance demonstrated his prowess as he embarked on a remarkable wicket-taking spree.
Reflecting on his time on the bench, Shami emphasized the need to stay mentally strong. Despite the initial absence from the playing XI, he found satisfaction in witnessing the team’s success and positive direction, highlighting the mental fortitude required to contribute to the team’s achievements even when not actively participating on the field.