At the National Sports Awards ceremony on Tuesday, January 9, Mohammed Shami, the pace phenomenon for Indian cricket, received the prestigious Arjuna Award from Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, on a historic occasion. He received the award in recognition of his outstanding performance at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
India finished as runners-up in the 50-over World Cup after losing to Australia in the championship match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, although Mohammed Shami gave an outstanding performance. When the 33-year-old was added to the starting lineup for the fifth game against New Zealand at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, he made a big difference despite missing the first four games. Taking five wickets and winning Player of the Match proved he was worthy of a spot in the side.
The quick bowler excelled in another noteworthy performance during the Mumbai group stage match against Sri Lanka at the venerable Wankhede Stadium. He was once again named Player of the Match after contributing significantly to India’s 302 run triumph with excellent scores of 5/18. Everyone was talking about the UP native even after his late arrival in the Playing XI because of his outstanding performance on the main stage.
Mohammed Shami remarkable performance in the semifinal match in Mumbai against the Black Caps cemented his significance in the major tournament.
The star speedster recorded career-best figures of 7/57 after India put up a strong total of 397, winning him his third Player of the Match trophy in the competition. With an astounding average of 10.70 and an excellent economy of 5.26, he finished the World Cup as the highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets from seven games.
The whole Indian cricket community celebrates Mohammed Shami’s win as a group achievement as he receives the esteemed prize. Star batsman Virat Kohli, who finished first in the quadrennial tournament in terms of runs scored, congratulated his teammate by leaving the comment “Mubarak ho lala” on the pacer’s Instagram image.
Famous cricket players have also heaped admiration on the 33-year-old, stating that the honor is evidence of his undying passion and extraordinary abilities on the field for the nation. These players include Mithali Raj, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, and Robin Uthappa. Jay Shah, the Honorary Secretary of BCCI, also expressed his sincere congratulations to the recipient.
Listed below are a few posts:
A memorable moment for #TeamIndia pacer Mohd. Shami who is conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu at the National Sports Awards
#NationalSportsAwards | @rashtrapatibhvn | @MdShami11 pic.twitter.com/zYXldurEU1
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 9, 2024
Congratulations to #TeamIndia‘s pace sensation @MdShami11 on receiving the esteemed Arjuna Award from the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at the National Sports Awards. A well-deserved honour for his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket.@BCCI https://t.co/bE3DiB58zY
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 9, 2024
Heartiest congratulations to @MdShami11 and the other 25 athletes who have received the Arjuna Award for their sporting excellence in 2023! This award is a testament to their soaring achievements for India.#ArjunaAward https://t.co/aB6GKGNItm
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) January 9, 2024
Congratulations @MdShami11 bhai for receiving the prestigious, Arjuna Award
You deserved it
pic.twitter.com/ZOw6rJnxVT
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) January 9, 2024
Congratulations @MdShami11 bhai
pic.twitter.com/t6XEaqbbnN
— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) January 9, 2024
Mubarak ho @MdShami11 #ArjunaAward pic.twitter.com/ROdMuQD9yV
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 9, 2024
Big congratulations, brother @MdShami11 on receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award! Truly well-deserved. pic.twitter.com/4pY9AMxyUf
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 9, 2024
Congratulations @MdShami11 bhai on receiving such a great honour! Very well deserved
So happy and proud of you!pic.twitter.com/FeusrTPOI2
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) January 9, 2024
So Happy to see @MdShami11 receiving #ArjunaAward
Well deserved.#MohammedShami pic.twitter.com/Vry0eYRLbL— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) January 9, 2024
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