Indian captain Virat Kohli hit out at people abusing Mohammed Shami prior to India’s second game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Shami was the victim of an online attack following India’s defeat to Pakistan in the opening game of the tournament. 

Speaking to the media in a pre-match press conference, Kohli condemned the abuse Shami had to face and ensured the team is fully behind him after what has happened

In a strong statement, Kohli said, “To me attacking someone over their religion is the most pathetic thing a human being can do. Everyone has the right to voice their opinion but I personally have never even thought of discriminating someone over their religion.”

“They have no understanding of the fact that Mohammed Shami has won India a number of matches…If people can overlook that and his passion for the country, I honestly don’t want to waste even 1 min of my life on them. We stand by him 200%. Our brotherhood cannot be shaken,” added Kohli. 

The Indian captain further hit out at ‘spineless’ online trolls and backed his players to rise above them. 

“There’s a reason we are playing on the field and not those spineless people. It is so unfortunate and sad to see people getting entertained. That is why we are doing what we are, & those spineless people are doing what they are,” said Kohli. 

The Indian captain added, “Many people hide their identity in social media then try to troll the players and it is the lowest point in their life – all dramas outside due to the lack of self-confidence of them, we know how to back the players, there is no value from the outside voice.”

Various stalwarts of Indian cricket including Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh have spoken out against the online trolling of Shami in the last week. 

The Men in Blue will face New Zealand on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium in what is a do-or-die game for both sides