'Trophy Will be Ours', 'Superlative Performance': How Netas Reacted to India's Win in World Cup Semifinal

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and other leaders lauded Mohammed Shami, Congress recalled the 2021 World Cup and their former party president Rahul Gandhi’s ‘support’.

Recalling the time when Shami was brutally trolled for India’s defeat to Pakistan in 2021, Indian Youth Congress (IYC) president Srinivas BV said, “Only Rahul Gandhi stood with Shami when people ‘high on Hindu-Muslim’ drug abused Mohammad Shami.”

Srinivas shared a screenshot of Rahul Gandhi’s 2021 tweet, in which the senior Congress leader had written: “Mohammad #Shami we are all with you. These people are filled with hate because nobody gives them any love. Forgive them.”

Besides Srinivas, Gandhi also took to ‘X’ and heaped praise on Team India’s stellar win.

“Well done, Team INDIA! Outstanding display of team work and skill throughout the game. Virat, congratulations on the incredible achievement. Bring it home boys!” Rahul Gandhi posted.

PM Modi lauded India’s “superlative performance” as it defeated New Zealand to enter the World Cup final.

“India puts up a superlative performance and enters the Finals in remarkable style. Fantastic batting and good bowling sealed the match for our team. Best wishes for the Finals,” Modi posted on X, congratulating the team.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “Many congratulations to Team India, cricket lovers and all the countrymen on reaching the World Cup final with a spectacular 70-run win against New Zealand. The World Cup trophy is now just one win away. That trophy will be ours on Sunday,”

Kejriwal said in a post on X. Earlier in the day, he also congratulated Kohli on reaching the “historic milestone”.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote, “Indian Cricket team enters into the World Cup Final in style! Kudos to Team India for their amazing win against New Zealand in the Semi Final match- a perfect show of outstanding skills, great determination and tremendous teamwork. Best wishes for the final. (sic)”

2021 World Cup

In 2021, Shami was subjected to a fierce online attack after the Indian cricket team lost to Pakistan for the first time in World Cup history. Shami was the most expensive bowler for India on the night, leaking 43 runs in 3.5 overs.

Amid the increasing vicious trolls, former opener Virender Sehwag, former India spinner Harbhajan and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal came out in Shami’s support.

Among politicians, Rahul Gandhi, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah had condemned the trolling and extended support to Shami.

Two years later, Shami’s impressive performance came as a rap to the trolls. His brilliant bowling propelled India to a thumping 70-run win over the Black Caps in the first of the semifinals.

It stretched the hosts’ unbeaten record to 10 ahead of the final against either Australia or South Africa, which play on Thursday. Shami also registered India’s best-ever bowling figures at the World Cup.

Shami needed just 17 matches to reach the landmark two games quicker than previous record holder Mitchell Starc of Australia.