'Hardik Pandya told me, I swear I...' - Mohammed Shami breaks silence on being blasted by ex-GT captain on field

Gujarat Titans fast bowler Mohammed Shami talked about the heated incident with Hardik Pandya during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. He revealed that he ignores such things but when things go bad he doesn't shy away from speaking up.

Things got heated up between Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Pandya, who was then skipper of the team, was bowling and the senior pacer was stationed at the third man area during the game at the Narendra Modi International Stadium in Ahmedabad.

That was when the ball went towards the third-man area, where Mohammed Shami made an error. The ball went for the boundary and this didn't go well with the all-rounder as he lashed out at the skipper and yelled loudly at the fast bowler.

Mohammed Shami then too didn't shy away as he then came to Hardik Pandya and told him something. However, after that, the duo gelled pretty well and together helped the team to win the Indian Premier League title in their first-ever edition.

While talking about the heated moment with Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami stressed that he and the all-rounder share a good connection. He revealed that the captain of the team didn't realize what he said and talked about the conversation between the duo. While speaking on Shubhankar Mishra's YouTube channel, he stated:

"I usually don't respond to such things, but when things get too bad, then I do speak up. We have a good connection and are friends. He didn't realize it at that moment.

"We've known each other for almost 10 years. He told me, 'I swear, I don't know what I've said.' Crores of people watch us on screen, we need to control our emotions."

During the IPL 2022, Mohammed Shami was the leading wicket-taker for the Gujarat Titans. He picked 20 wickets from 16 outings and helped the team win the tournament.

If they don't retain me, what difference does it make? - Mohammed Shami on Gujarat Titans

Mohammed Shami was also asked to name an IPL team he would want to represent if Gujarat doesn't retain him. The fast bowler highlighted his stints with Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans, stating that he would be happy to play for any team in the tournament. He explained:

"Delhi didn't give me a chance, then I took 60 wickets for Punjab in three years, they did not retain me and gave me to Gujarat. I have taken 48 wickets for Gujarat in two years, and if they don't retain me, what difference does it make? I will play with whichever team that picks me. If you want a performer, then keep me, if you want looks, find two or three models and bring them."

Mohammed Shami underwent an Achilles Tendon surgery earlier this year. The fast bowler hasn't played any cricket since the ICC World Cup 2023 and is likely to make a return through the Bangladesh Test series.