Mohammad Shami, We Are All With You: Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi

Cricketer Mohammad Shami has been subjected to abuse on social media after the Indian team lost against Pakistan.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on Monday, 25 October, took to Twitter to speak up in support of Indian cricketer Mohammad Shami and to ask him to forgive his haters as “nobody gives them any love.”

“Mohammad Shami we are all with you. These people are filled with hate because nobody gives them any love. Forgive them.”

Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader

Mohammad #Shami we are all with you.

These people are filled with hate because nobody gives them any love. Forgive them.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 25, 2021

Fast bowler Mohammad Shami has been subjected to abuse on social media after the Indian team lost against Pakistan by 10 wickets on Sunday, 24 October.

After being set a target of 152, Pakistan easily won the match with 13 balls to spare.

Having conceded 43 runs in 3.5 overs at an economy rate of 11.21, Shami, like many other players in the team, had a bad day, but was subjected to comments like, "Bloody Pakistani in Team India".

Upset and angry on losing to arch-nemesis Pakistan, the so-called fans vented on Shami's social media page, blaming him for the loss, questioning his loyalty to the country.

Some users called for his retirement, while others asked him to go to Pakistan. "Sir, how much money did you receive to help your community (Muslims) win?"

Another user wrote in Hindi: "A Muslim sided with Pakistan. How much money did you receive?"

Current and Ex-cricketers Back Shami

The legendary Indian opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag took to social media to express support for Shami.

When we support #TeamIndia, we support every person who represents Team India. @MdShami11 is a committed, world-class bowler. He had an off day like any other sportsperson can have.

I stand behind Shami & Team India.

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 25, 2021

The online attack on Mohammad Shami is shocking and we stand by him. He is a champion and Anyone who wears the India cap has India in their hearts far more than any online mob. With you Shami. Agle match mein dikado jalwa.

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 25, 2021

Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal became the first current cricketer to back Shami, saying ,"We are so proud of you Shami bhaiya."

Meanwhile, an angry Irfan Pathan vented his anger on Twitter.

"Even I was part of India vs Pakistan battles on the field where we have lost but never been told to go to Pakistan! I’m talking about a few years back. THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP," he said.

Wristy-batsman VVS Laxman asked fans to support Shami and the Indian Team. "Mohammad Shami has been a stellar performer for India for eight years, playing a significant role in many a victory. He can't be defined by one performance. My best wishes are always with him. I urge fans and followers of the game to support Shami and the Indian team."