But the Indian cricket fraternity, led by Sachin Tendulkar, as well as some politicians, came out in support of the seamer, reminding those targeting Shami with abuse that he has represented the country with distinction over several years.

“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,” Tendulkar tweeted.

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

Several of his erstwhile teammates joined Tendulkar in backing Shami, who leaked 43 in his 3.5 overs.

“Mohammed 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 & followers of the game to support @MdShami11 and the Indian team,” VVS Laxman posted on the micro-blogging site.

Mohammed 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 & followers of the game to support @MdShami11 and the Indian team.

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 25, 2021

Virender Sehwag wanted Shami to shut the hate-mongers up with an excellent performance in India’s next game.

“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 (show what you can do in the next match),” the former opener said on social media.

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

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh found the targeting of Shami after one indifferent performance “ridiculous.”

“It’s just ridiculous to see such reaction against him. He is a champion and our own proud Indian player who won so many games for us and made us proud,” Harbhajan told The Indian Express.

We love you @MdShami11 🇮🇳 #Shami

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 25, 2021

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan referred to instances in his own playing career and found the linking of Shami’s performance and his religion uncalled for.

“Even I was part of #IndvsPak battles on the field where we have lost but never been told to go to Pakistan! I’m talking about Flag of India of few years back. THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP. #Shami,” he posted.

Even I was part of #IndvsPak battles on the field where we have lost but never been told to go to Pakistan! I’m talking about 🇮🇳 of few years back. THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP. #Shami

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 25, 2021

Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle took to Hindi to suggest that those abusing Shami were not fans of the game in the first place.

“Jo log Mohammad Shami ke baare mein ghatiya baaten kar rahe hain, unse meri ek hi vinati hain. Aap cricket na dekhen. Aur aapki kami mehsoos bhi nahi hogi #Shami #355WicketsforIndia (I have just one request to those abusing Mohammed Shami. Don’t watch cricket. You won’t be missed,” Bhogle tweeted.

Jo log Mohammad Shami ke baare mein ghatiya baaten kar rahe hain, unse meri ek hi vinanti hai. Aap cricket na dekhen. Aur aapki kami mehsoos bhi nahi hogi. #Shami #355WicketsforIndia.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 25, 2021

The matter also made ripples in the political arena with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressing support for Shami.

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

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

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah claimed that the Indian team’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement meant little if they can’t prevent one of their own from getting abused.

“#MohammedShami was one of 11 players who lost last night, he wasn’t the only player on the field. Team India your BLM knee taking counts for nothing if you can’t stand up for your team mate who is being horribly abused & trolled on social media,” the vice-president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference said.

#MohammedShami was one of 11 players who lost last night, he wasn’t the only player on the field. Team India your BLM knee taking counts for nothing if you can’t stand up for your team mate who is being horribly abused & trolled on social media.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 25, 2021

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi felt the online abuse was a reflection of growing radicalisation in the country.

“Mohammed Shami is being targeted for the defeat of the Indian team yesterday. This indicates that the radicalisation and hatred is growing against Muslims. A cricket team will have 11 members. There is one Muslim in the team and he is being targeted,” the Member of Parliament from Hyderabad said.

हार-जीत होती रहती है, लेकिन कल के मैच को लेकर जिस तरह से @MdShami11 को निशाना बनाया जा रहा है, वह मुसलमानों के प्रति नफ़रत और कट्टरता को दर्शाता है। क्या @BJP4India सरकार इसकी निंदा करेगी? #Shami pic.twitter.com/E62Z7CnSDx

— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) October 25, 2021