Former Team India coach Ravi Shastri and ex-bowling coach Bharat Arun have revealed a hilarious yet powerful story behind one of Mohammed Shami’s most fiery spells in Test cricket. During the 2018 Johannesburg Test against South Africa, what started as a cheeky comment over lunch turned into fuel for a match-winning performance.
The Setting: 2018 Johannesburg Test
It was the third and final Test of the series. India had already lost the first two matches, and South Africa were chasing 240 in the fourth innings with 223/8 still to go and 8 wickets in hand. By lunch on Day 4, the hosts needed just 171 runs more, and India were staring at a clean sweep.
As Shastri walked past the players, he spotted Shami enjoying a hearty plate of biryani.
“Shami had a massive helping of biryani. I asked him, ‘Tera bhook idhar theek ho gaya kya?’” recalled Shastri on Sony Sports.
‘Bhaad Mein Gaya Biryani’: Shami’s Fired-Up Response
Bharat Arun continued the story, revealing that Shami instantly rejected the biryani in frustration.
“Le le plate. Nahi chahiye biryani, bhaad mein gaya biryani,” Shami snapped, visibly fired up.
Shastri told Arun to leave Shami alone, saying:
“Woh gussa hai. Agar kuch baat karni hai toh bolo jaake wicket le (He’s angry. If you want to talk to him, tell him to get wickets).”
The Aftermath: Shami Destroys South Africa
Post-lunch, an enraged Shami unleashed a brutal spell. He took 5 wickets, dismantling South Africa’s middle and lower order. The last 7 batters managed just 22 runs, and India pulled off a dramatic 63-run win.
The Return of the Biryani (and a Smile)
Once the game was sealed, Arun jokingly offered the biryani back to Shami.
“Now take the biryani. Eat as much as you want,” Arun said.
Shami grinned and quipped:
“Humko hamesha gussa karao, phir theek ho jaate hai (Always make me angry, then I do well).”
Historic Win at the Wanderers
This win was only India’s second at Wanderers Stadium, and just the third ever on South African soil. Shami’s spell went down as one of the finest comeback efforts in Indian Test history—and it all began with biryani and a bit of banter.
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