Ravi Shastri's 'Chicken Biryani Taunt' Powered Mohammed Shami Pick A Fifer: Know What Had Happened

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has delivered several impressive and match-winning performances in both Test and limited-overs cricket. Recently, during a TV show, former India head coach Ravi Shastri shared an amusing anecdote about how provoking Shami could lead to exceptional results. During a Test match against South Africa in Johannesburg, Shastri teased Shami about eating biryani, which spurred him on to take a five-wicket haul, securing victory for India.

In that match, India faced the threat of a series whitewash with South Africa needing less than 100 runs and seven wickets in hand. However, an incident at lunch on the final day involving Shastri and Shami changed the course of the game. Shastri noticed Shami with a large serving of biryani and decided to taunt him about it.

Shami's Fiery Response

"Tera bhook idhar theek ho gaya kya? (Is your hunger gone already?)" Shastri quipped, as recounted by India's then-bowling coach Bharat Arun. Annoyed by the comment, Shami retorted angrily, refusing to eat the biryani. "Le le plate. Nahi chahiye biryani (Take the plate. I don't need the biryani). The biryani can go to hell," he replied.

Shastri advised Arun to let Shami remain upset. "He is angry. Leave him alone. If he wants to speak to you, tell him to take some wickets and then talk," was his instruction to Arun. This strategy worked wonders as Shami channelled his anger into his bowling performance.

Turning Anger into Performance

India dismantled South Africa's middle and lower order in the next session, capturing seven wickets for just 33 runs. They won by 63 runs with Shami playing a crucial role by taking four of the last five wickets, adding to his earlier dismissal of opener Aiden Markram.

Bharat Arun explained that while being angry is one thing, using that anger effectively in bowling is another skill altogether. With figures of 5/28 in 12.3 overs, Shami's efforts saved India from a potential 0-3 series defeat.

After the match, Bharat Arun humorously offered biryani to Shami again. To this gesture, Shami responded with a smile: "First you'll anger me, and then it becomes alright". This light-hearted exchange highlighted how emotions can be harnessed positively in sports.