A symposium at Lord’s Cricket Ground discussed the future of Test cricket, with experts suggesting a reduction in participating teams and leveraging the popularity of T20 cricket to expand the game’s reach. Former players like Ravi Shastri and Justin Langer debated the balance between preserving the traditional format and embracing the lucrative opportunities of T20 leagues.
Former Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri praised Rishabh Pant’s remarkable comeback after presenting him with the Best Fielder award in India’s thrilling win over Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup tournament. Shastri acknowledged Pant’s determination in overcoming a severe accident in December 2022, highlighting his inspiration to countless individuals globally.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has hinted at a possible return to coaching, including a potential role in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During a conversation with Rajasthan Royals’ Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Shastri expressed his interest in contributing to youth development in cricket. Shastri’s successful tenure as India coach, during which the team registered historic Test series wins in Australia, could make him an attractive candidate for IPL franchises seeking experienced guidance.
As the former coach of the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri faced the challenging task of managing the unique personalities and skillsets of his players. His approach to coaching involved understanding their mindset and adapting his tactics accordingly.
One such example is his interaction with Rishabh Pant, a player known for his aggressive style of batting. After Pant’s dismissal in a crucial Test match, Shastri recognized the need to motivate him while respecting his nature. He encouraged Pant to embrace his strengths and play the reverse sweep, even if it meant getting out in a more dangerous manner.
In contrast to Pant’s fiery nature, Shastri had a different approach with Cheteshwar Pujara, who is known for his steady and patient batting style. Shastri understood that Pujara’s strength lay in his ability to carry on and score runs consistently. Rather than urging him to change his approach, Shastri encouraged Pujara to play to his strengths and capitalize on his ability to build partnerships.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri has strongly criticized those who question the legitimacy of Mankading, a mode of dismissal where a bowler runs out a batter who backs up too far before the ball is bowled. Shastri emphasized the importance of following the rules of the game, stating that it is not a question of sportsmanship but rather a matter of adhering to the regulations. He pointed out that the rule book clearly states that a batter who backs up too far is cheating and is liable to be run out.
Shubman Gill’s fiery century celebration against Chennai Super Kings showcased a different side to the Gujarat Titans captain. His frustration over being overlooked for India’s T20 World Cup squad was palpable, according to former India coach Ravi Shastri. Despite his impressive form, Gill was not included in the 15-member squad, leading to Shastri’s belief that the snub had hurt him. However, Gill remains hopeful of a miracle entry into the IPL playoffs after his magnificent inning helped Gujarat Titans secure a crucial victory.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri named two relatively inexperienced players as key to India’s T20 World Cup hopes, with the tournament set to begin in New York on June 5. Shastri highlighted the potential of left-handed batters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube, both of whom are set to make their debut in a multi-nation ICC tournament for India. Jaiswal has enjoyed recent success in Test cricket, while Dube has impressed in the ongoing IPL season with his power-hitting ability.
