Table of Contents
Cricket is as much a game of emotions as it is of skill. Over the years, India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Shami has carved a reputation for delivering under pressure, often turning the tide with his fiery spells. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri recently recounted a memorable episode in a video shared by Sony Sports Network that perfectly encapsulates Shami’s ability to channel anger into performance. In a high-stakes Test match against South Africa in Johannesburg, a light-hearted yet provocative taunt from Shastri involving a plate of biryani became the unlikely catalyst for one of Shami’s most memorable five-wicket hauls, steering India to a dramatic victory.
Ravi Shasti’s biryani banter that triggered Mohammed Shami
The Johannesburg Test was teetering on a knife’s edge, with South Africa needing less than 100 runs and seven wickets in hand. As tension simmered, Shastri spotted Shami at lunch with a generous helping of biryani. Sensing an opportunity to stoke the pacer’s competitive fire, Shastri cheekily remarked, “Tera bhook idhar theek ho gaya kya? (Is your hunger gone already?)” The playful jab, as narrated by then-bowling coach Bharat Arun, struck a nerve.
Shami, visibly irked, pushed aside his plate, declaring, “Le le plate. Nahi chahiye biryani. The biryani can go to hell.” Shastri, recognizing the spark he’d ignited, advised Arun to let Shami stew in his anger, quipping, “He is angry. Leave him alone. If he wants to speak to you, tell him to take some wickets and then talk”.
Also READ: Ravi Shastri picks his India XI for first Test against England; names Karun Nair as No. 5 batter
Shami’s five-wicket haul performance against South Africa
What followed was a masterclass in channelling emotion into action. Fuelled by the lunchtime exchange, Shami returned to the field with renewed vigour. In a devastating spell, he tore through the South African middle and lower order, claiming four of the last five wickets and finishing with figures of 5/28 in 12.3 overs. India snatched victory by 63 runs, averting a series whitewash and etching the moment into cricketing folklore. Arun later reflected, “Being angry is one thing, but to channel that anger in your bowling is another thing.” The story ended on a humorous note when Arun offered Shami biryani after the win, to which Shami quipped, “First you’ll anger me, and then it becomes alright”.
Also READ: 3 reasons why Shubman Gill will be a successful Indian captain in the England tour
