Mohammed Shami’s five-wicket haul during India’s historic win at the Wanderers Stadium in 2018 wasn’t just a display of bowling brilliance—it was also the result of a cheeky lunch-time incident. Former head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharat Arun recently revealed a behind-the-scenes story that sparked Shami’s fire and turned the tide for India in the third Test against South Africa.
A Biryani Encounter That Lit the Fire
On Day 4 of the final Test in Johannesburg, South Africa needed only 223 runs to complete a whitewash, with eight wickets in hand. As lunch was served, Ravi Shastri noticed Shami’s plate full of biryani and took a playful dig.
“It was Johannesburg. Final day… They needed 240, just 100 runs to get… He had a massive helping of biryani there,” recalled Shastri. Bharat Arun added that Shastri jokingly questioned, “Tera bhook idhar theek ho gaya kya?” (Is your stomach full after eating the biryani?)
The teasing didn’t sit well with Shami, who immediately pushed the plate aside. “Le le plate. Nahi chahiye biryani, bhaad main gaya biryani (Take the plate. I don’t want the biryani. It can go to hell),” Shastri quoted the fired-up pacer. Arun recalled Shastri then told him, “Woh gussa hai, usko aise he chod doh… Agar kuch baat karna hai toh bolo, thoda wicket leke mujhe batao” (He’s angry. Leave him alone. If he wants to talk, tell him to get wickets).
From Frustration to Firepower
Shami took that rage straight to the field. Channeling his anger effectively, he ran through the South African batting lineup in the final innings. He picked up a crucial five-wicket haul as the Proteas collapsed, losing their last seven wickets for just 22 runs. The inspired spell helped India seal a memorable 63-run win—only their second-ever victory at the Wanderers and third on South African soil.
Biryani and Banter: The Aftermath
Once the match was over, Arun jokingly returned with the same biryani plate.
This time, Shami was all smiles. “Game over… Arun went and gave ‘biryani le, ab jitna khaana hai, khaa le. Humko hamesha gussa karao phir theek ho jaate hai* (Take the biryani, eat as much as you want. Make me angry all the time, then I become fine),” Shastri shared.
It was classic Shami—fired up by banter, delivering brilliance with the ball.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.