‘It was for my father’: Mohammed Shami reveals reason behind his celebration

Mohammed Shami’s extraordinary “pointing-towards-the-sky” celebration after pulling off a five-wicket haul in Centurion had a strong purpose for it.

The Indian pacer said that it was a tribute for his late father who passed away in 2017 because of a heart attack.

Mohammed Shami got five wickets for 44 runs in the first Test against South Africa. It was his 6th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The last wicket of the spell was additionally Shami’s 200th Test wicket for India, making him the eleventh bowler to do as such.

In a chat with India’s bowling trainer Paras Mhambrey on bcci.tv, Shami said his celebration was to express gratitude towards his father for his efforts.

“That was especially for my father. He passed away in 2017. Special credit goes to him because he’s backed me since I was born. Now when I have achieved something, and All Mighty has made me good enough for it, why not give credit to the person who put in the efforts for me,” he said.

Shami also said its a proud feeling to be part of the 200-wickets club.

“It’s a proud feeling. When I got 100 wickets it felt like I have achieved something. After 200… the happiness from the achievements you get after playing for your country is different,” he said.

“Feels great after 200 and I hope I can perform well and bowl in good areas in the coming matches as well. It’s always been about being happy. Test cricket is about enjoying, the more you enjoy the better is your performance. That’s what I try always,” he added.