Former England captain Michael Atherton praised India’s Virat Kohli for overcoming adversity off the field at the World T20. Michael Atherton believes Virat Kohli did a fantastic job by supporting Mohammed Shami despite the risks.
Following his dismal effort against Pakistan, Mohammed Shami received social media hate. In the tournament’s first game, the Green Army defeated India by 10 wickets. Nonetheless, he singled out by a number of internet users for being a Muslim. Kohli, on the other hand, held back the seamer and retaliated against the slurs.
Michael Atherton
Michael Atherton, writing in his Times column, acknowledges Kohli’s sense of pressure as the Indian media is continuously on his back.
“It has been a difficult tournament for Kohli, whose every move, as captain of a team. Who carry far greater expectation than any other, is scrutinised and analysed. If Kohli lifts an eyebrow, an army of Indian journalists will decode its significance, so when he defended his opening bowler Mohammed Shami, a Muslim, after his team’s loss to Pakistan, he knew his words would carry weight.” defending Shami and wrote
Despite the fact that Shami the most expensive Indian bowler on the night, Kohli stood by his teammate during a press conference. Attacking someone based on their religion, according to Kohli, is pathetic. Shami has been a match-winner for India, according to the right-handed batsman, and he deserves respect.
Atherton also praised the Indian skipper for not backing down and continuing to support Shami despite the risks.
“Kohli did not prevaricate. Before his team’s next match against New Zealand last Sunday, and ignoring the usual pre-match protocols to talk only of cricket. Kohli defended his seam bowler’s right to religious freedom, despite knowing that there was likely to be a backlash against him.” The 53-year old added
Kohli’s daughter reportedly got molestation threats on social media after his statement about Shami. Former cricketers who had previously backed Shami have chastised social media users for going to such lengths.
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