Picture Credit: ICC
India captain Virat Kohli broke his silence on social media trolls and memes which were targeted at them after Team India's comprehensive defeat against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. When he was asked about the same at the pre-match press conference ahead of India's match against New Zealand, Kohli stated that there is a reason they are playing on the cricket field rather than a bunch of spinless people.
He added that within the team they know how to back individuals and they will continue to treat to give equal importance to each game. He acknowledged that while on the outset it may appear that the Indian team is not allowed to lose a match but they know how sports operate and do not need to announce to everyone how they go about doing their job at the highest level.
The Indian skipper added that hiding behind fake identities to make comments and not having the courage to speak in person has become a form of entertainment for individuals but it is the lowest potential in which human beings can operate.
Mohammed Shami has won India a number of matches: Kohli
When Kohli was asked specifically about Mohammed Shami being targetted based on his religion after Team India's defeat, India's run-machine Kohli backed him and said that attacking someone over religion is the most pathetic thing in life.
He suggested that people take out their frustration by these gestures since they do not have a clear understanding of how they operate as international cricketers and the amount of effort individuals put on the cricket field.
Kohli said that Shami has won India a number of matches in the past few years and has been the team's primary weapon along with Jasprit Bumrah when it comes to making a decisive impact on the match.
He even added that he does not want to waste even one minute of his life to those who can overlook Shami's passion for the sport and the country.
India and New Zealand will take on each other at the Dubai International Stadium on October 31 with a 7:30 pm IST start.