New Delhi: Renowned fast bowler Mohammed Shami has condemned the public reprimand directed at his India teammate KL Rahul by Sanjiv Goenka, terming the incident as “shameful” and asserting that such behavior lacks sportsmanship.
Goenka’s animated conversation, reportedly admonishing Rahul following Lucknow Super Giants’ significant defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, has garnered widespread attention on social media. Shami, the first Indian cricketer to criticize the incident, expressed his disapproval on ‘Cricbuzz Live’, emphasizing the negative impact of such actions on the sports community.
“In a public arena where millions are watching, such reactions projected on screen are regrettable,” Shami remarked candidly. “There should be a certain decorum in communication, and this display sends an unfavorable message.”
Following an exceptional performance by SRH openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, resulting in the target of 166 being chased down in a mere 9.4 overs, attention shifted to the aftermath of the match.
A video capturing the visibly irate reaction of RPSG Group chairman, Sanjiv Goenka, addressing Rahul, has circulated widely on social media platforms. TV commentators Graeme Smith and Scott Styris echoed Shami’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining private discussions away from the public eye.
“It’s imperative to acknowledge mutual respect between players and owners,” Shami stressed. “Such conversations could have been conducted in a more appropriate setting, like the dressing room or team hotel. Public displays of frustration achieve little.”
Shami, currently recuperating from an injury and absent from the IPL, underscored the negative implications of such incidents on the public perception of the sport.
“As the captain, Rahul holds a significant position within the team hierarchy. While setbacks are a natural part of the game, respect for players and dignified communication remain paramount,” Shami affirmed. “While disagreements are inevitable on the field, they should not be escalated unnecessarily, especially in public view.”
Concluding his remarks, Shami emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport, stressing that confrontations between players and external individuals have no place in cricket or any other sport.
