Ravi Shastri

Virat Kohli and Steve Smith will be dangerous and hungry: Ravi Shastri

They may not have been at their dominant best so far but Virat Kohli and Steve Smith will be "dangerous" and "hungry" for runs in the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, feels former India head coach Ravi Shastri. Part of the celebrated 'Fab Four' that also comprises Joe Root and Kane Williamson, both Kohli and Smith have endured struggles with the bat in recent times, though they have scored a century each in the first three Tests of the five-match series. "I think they (Kohli and Smith) will have slipped down the ranks on current form because you know you've got the likes of Root taking off, there's Williamson doing well, Harry Brook has come onto the scene, you know there are a lot of other young players pushing but these are class players," Shastri said in the ICC Review. "In a situation like this, you know they'll be dangerous because they'll be hungry." Smith's scores read 0, 17, 2, 101, and 4 in five innings, while Kohli has managed 126 runs at an average of .

IND vs AUS: Shastri believes Adelaide 2020 debacle won't affect India

The Adelaide debacle of 2020 is history now but it should be at the back of players' minds when they take field in the day/night Test against Australia, reckons Ravi Shastri, who was India's coach in that series. India, under Virat Kohli, were shot out for their lowest-ever Test total of 36 in the second innings of the Adelaide Test that Australia won by eight wickets. Bruised and battered, and with hardly anyone giving them a revival chance, India staged a remarkable comeback to win the four-Test series 2-1 to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. "I don't think it (Adelaide drubbing) will play any role but it should be at the back of their mind because you know things happen very quickly with a pink ball," Shastri, who was the coach of the India team during the series, told The ICC Review. A 1-0 lead in pocket, India will clash with the hosts in the second Test, starting Friday. "You realise that in a session of play if things don't go your way and the bowling is good, things can

Kohli's masterclass sets up series, worries Australia: Ravi Shastri

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri on Sunday said Virat Kohli's remarkable hundred is an "ominous" sign for Australia, and said no touring player in the last 15 years might not have produced such knocks more regularly than the batting star. Kohli brought all his technical expertise into play to score the 30th hundred on the third day of the first Test against Australia here, despite struggling for form in the run-up to the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This was 36-year-old Kohli's seventh century in Australia, the most by an Indian with one ahead of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (6). Kohli's last century before this was the 121 against the West Indies at Port of Spain in July 2023, and since then 15 innings have passed without a three-figure mark. "Seven hundreds in Australia. The big stage, the big ground. One of the bounciest pitches in the world. I doubt an overseas player in the last 15 years has come to Australia and played in this fashion, Shastri said on Fox Cricket

Sachin Tendulkar to Dravid: Top five knocks by Indian batters in Australia

The God of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, holds the record for India's highest Test score in Australia with a brilliant 241 not out innings in 2004

IND vs AUS: Stay calm, avoid knee-jerk reactions - Shastri's advice to GG

Ravi Shastri guided India to back-to-back series wins in Australia and his short advice to current head coach Gautam Gambhir is to "stay calm" over the course of five Tests Down Under and avoid knee-jerk reactions. Known for his aggressive temperament, Gambhir has been recently labelled "prickly" by a few former Australian cricketers as he faces his biggest challenge since taking charge in July. "The first thing would be to stay calm and not let outside elements influence you in any way," Shastri advised Gambhir while talking to media in the Star Sports press room. "Avoid getting into positions where knee-jerk reactions happen. Stay calm and focus on understanding your players. You'll notice what it takes for a player to thrive." Shastri said the key to success lies in understanding players and empowering them in match situations. "You'll understand team situations where a certain player might be better suited than another, based on your understanding of their temperament. "These

AUS vs IND Tests: King is back in his territory, says Shastri backs Kohli

Former India cricket coach Ravi Shastri believes Virat Kohli has the potential to turn around his poor form and prosper during the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar series in Australia. Kohli has been going through a rough run across all formats over the last few months. The 36-year-old star batter has scored just one half-century and averaged only 21.33 across five Test matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand since the start of the year. But Shastri has warned Australia and said Kohli is back in the country where he loves to bat and score runs. "Well, the King is back in his territory. That's all I will tell them," Shastri said on The ICC Review. "When you've earned that title after your exploits in Australia, it will be on your (opponent's) mind when you go out to bat." Shastri was referring to Kohli's phenomenal performances in Australia, which include a fighting century in Adelaide in his first-ever Test tour in 2011/12, a staggering 692 runs from four Tests during the 201

Ravi Shastri belives India can complete hat-trick of Test series win in AUS

India is capable of a hat-trick of Test series triumphs in Australia given the quality of its bowlers and the strong batting lineup that has the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, feels former head coach Ravi Shastri. India have won the last two Test series in Australia and have held onto the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy since the Kangaroos claimed a 2-0 series victory on home soil at the beginning of 2015. "With (Jasprit) Bumrah fit, (Mohammed) Shami fit, you've got Mohammed Siraj there. You've got the likes of (Ravinchandran) Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja and some very good bench strength as well... One can't wait for that series to start and (I think) India can do the hat-trick (of series victories in Australia)," Shastri told ICC. Australia legend Ricky Ponting had recently predicted a 3-1 series win for his country but Shastri said that Indian bowlers can get the job done provided their batters are up to the challenge. "It is going to be one heck of a series and India

Shastri to Karthik: Full list of commentators for T20 World Cup 2024

Making his World Cup debut, American commentator James O'Brien better known as Jomboy will aim to add context to the games for American audiences

'Hope he is not finished': Coach Rahul Dravid on R Ashwin's retirement

Rahul Dravid hopes that he doesn't call it quits anytime soon. Ravi Shastri would like to see him harass batters for at least two more years while Anil Kumble finds it perplexing that he isn't a regular in India's overseas fixtures. If ever Ravichandran Ashwin needed validation for being a rare talent, three national coaches -- one current and two former -- provided it heartily on the same evening, at the same platform and almost at the same time. "I hope he is not finished. He has moved the craft of spin bowling through his hard work, dedication and innovation. That's a great legacy to have. Fantastic! Well done and inspired a whole generation of young spinners," Dravid said during a felicitation function organised by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) to celebrate Ashwin crossing the 500-wicket mark and completing 100 Tests. "He always has the desire to contribute to the team's success. Have really enjoyed my time with him," 'The Wall' added. What stands out for Dravid is

BCCI central contract: Shastri backs Iyer, Kishan to come back stronger

Former India coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday backed the duo of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan to come back stronger after they were excluded from the BCCI central contracts for ignoring the board's directive of playing in the Ranji Trophy. The BCCI Wednesday unveiled its centrally-contracted players for this year. While skipper Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and premier all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja retained their places in the top bracket, Iyer and Kishan were not considered in any category. "In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you'll conquer once again," Shastri tweeted. The 25-year-old Kishan did not turn up for Jharkhand throughout the team's campaign in Ranji Trophy despite not being on national duty since leaving from the tour of South Africa in December last, citing ..

Bumrah was dubbed as white-ball specialist without even asking him: Shastri

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri always knew that Jasprit Bumrah was "desperate and hungry" to play Test cricket as the pace sensation didn't ever liked being stereotyped as a "white-ball specialist". Bumrah is the first Indian pacer to be ranked No. 1 in the ICC Test rankings. The 30-year-old's pace prowess was on full display as he claimed a remarkable match haul of 9/91, playing a pivotal role in India's series-levelling victory in the Vizag Test. In the process, he also became the fastest Indian to 150 Test wickets. In an interview to former England skipper Michael Atherton, who writes for 'The Times', Shastri remembered his conversation with Bumrah where the pacer had told him playing Test would be the "biggest day" of his life. "I remember my first call to him, it was in Kolkata. I asked him would he be interested in Test cricket. He said that would be the biggest day of his life," Shastri recalled. "He was labelled as a white-ball cricketer without asking him. But I kn

BCCI Awards: Shastri, Engineer honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

Former India captain and head coach Ravi Shastri said on Tuesday that it was a touching moment for him to get bestowed with the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. In a glittering ceremony here, the BCCI awarded a host of top men's and women's performers from the 2019-20 season. Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer too was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Shastri was part of India's World Cup winning squad in 1983 and was the Player of the Series when they bagged the World Series in 1985. Later as a coach, Shastri masterminded India's back-to-back Test series wins in Australia, the first Asian side to achieve the feat. Shastri said it was an emotional moment for him. It certainly is (an emotional moment). Ladies and gentleman thanks for coming and I thank the BCCI for bestowing this honour on me. It's four decades in the game, you have not missed a beat and you have been involved with Indian cricket right through. "It is a very touching moment for me becau

BCCI Awards 2023: Gill named cricketer of the year, Shastri recognised

Former India all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri will be honoured with BCCI's Lifetime Achievement Award here on Tuesday. Shubman Gill will be presented with Cricketer of the Year award following a memorable 12 months when he became the fastest to cross the 2000-run mark in ODIs and also scored five hundreds in the format. "He (Shastri) has been chosen for the honour while Gill will be awarded the cricketer of the year," said a BCCI official. The BCCI awards will be held for the first time since 2019 and both India and England teams are expected to be in attendance ahead of the first Test beginning here on Thursday. Shastri, 61, represented India in 80 Tests and 150 ODIs. After retirement, he made a name for himself in the broadcasting world. He also donned the coaching hat twice for the national team, first as a team director from 2014 to 2016 before returning to the team as head coach with captain Virat Kohli until the T20 World Cup in 2021. The highlight of his tenure was

World Cup 2023 Final: Ravi Shastri's mantra for Team India against Aussies

India will be overwhelming favourites in the upcoming World Cup final against Australia, the team's former head coach Ravi Shastri said on Friday while urging the hosts to stick to their game plans. On the sidelines of an event in the city, Shastri spoke on India's approach in the title clash saying they do not need to do anything different. "I think they will be relaxed. They are playing at home, and it's a very experienced side. And they don't need to do anything different. "The way they have played.... it will be around the way they had left in the last game. They should be holding that cup very soon. "India will win the World Cup. They will start as favourites in the final. They have played outstandingly well," Shastri said. Despite having beaten Australia in the league stage, India will be under pressure against the five-time world champions, who have a great record in ICC finals. But Shastri believes that if the Men in Blue are able to stay calm and soak in the pressure, th

If India fail to win 2023 World Cup, then..: Shastri makes huge prediction

India will probably have to wait for another three World Cups to have a shot at the title if they are not able to extend their dominant run in the ongoing edition, reckons Ravi Shastri. Speaking to Club Prairie Fire podcast, Shastri said a majority of the squad members are at their peak, providing India the best chance to end their ICC title drought. Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan were also part of the podcast. "This country is going mad. The last time they won it was 12 years ago. They have an opportunity to do it again. The way they are playing, this is probably their best chance," said the former India head coach. "If they miss out this time, they would probably have to wait another three World Cups for even thinking of trying to win it. The pool of players are such the 7-8 players are at their peak. "This could well be their last World Cup. The way they are playing, given the conditions, they have got the team to win it." The Indian bowling attack has demolished batters t

'Sau baari...': Here's what Babar Azam said on Hyderabadi Biryani

World Cup 2023: India will clash with Pakistan in a much-awaited match on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium

Asia Cup, IND vs PAK: Rohit has strongest Indian side since 2011- Shastri

A seasoned leader like Rohit Sharma understands the "terrain" of an Indo-Pak contest better than most but Babar Azam's unit won't be mere pushovers as it has managed to narrow the gap with the arch-rivals in the past few years, said former India head coach Ravi Shastri. India and Pakistan will be meeting in an ODI game after four years when they face-off on Saturday. "I would say India start as favourites. This is their strongest team since 2011, this mix of players. And a captain who is seasoned, who understands the terrain better than most,' Shastri told ESPN Cricinfo on Friday. "Having said that, Pakistan have narrowed the gap. Seven-eight years (ago), there was a gap if you looked at the strength of both teams and man to man. But Pakistan have narrowed it down. They are a very good side, so you have to be on top of your game." While Indian teams during the last two decades have dominated the proceedings against the cross-border nation, the former head coach wants players not to

World Cup: Shastri, Sandeep Patil back Tilak Varma for Indian middle-order

Former stars Ravi Shastri and Sandeep Patil on Friday batted for the inclusion of the talented Tilak Varma in India's middle-order for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The mega event will be held in India from October 5 to November 19. Shastri said the 20-year-old Varma is at an advantageous position because he is a left-hander. Speaking on Star Sports, Shastri said, "I'm very impressed with Tilak Varma. Very, very impressed. And I want a left-hander. So, if I'm looking for a left-hander in the middle order, like Yuvraj Singh and before that was Suresh Raina at five, I would really look in that direction (of Varma). "Sandy (Sandip) and MSK (Prasad) have been selectors, and if I was a selector along with my panel, I would be looking at that current form, looking at how he's getting his runs. "So, when I look at the way he has got his runs over the last three months, whether it was for Mumbai Indians, for India, whether it was handling pressure, opposition, or different situatio

World Cup: Ravi Shastri bats for three left-handers in India's middle-order

Former head coach Ravi Shastri feels three left-hand batters in the top seven will bolster India's middle-order ahead of the Asia Cup and subsequent ODI World Cup at home. Shastri said India can have two more left-handed batters alongside all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. "There are three other positions where I think two left-handers have to come in. Now, this is where the selectors' role comes in because they are watching. They know who's the guy who's hot. If Tilak Varma is hot, bring him in. If you think (Yashasvi) Jaiswal is hot, bring him in," Shastri told Star Sports. Two right-handers, K L Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, are expected to make a comeback from injury in the Asia Cup beginning August 31, making it tougher for the management to include three left-handers in the playing eleven. Shastri also backed Ishan Kishan to come good. "If you have persisted with Ishan Kishan for the last six to eight months, and he's going to keep wickets, he comes in, in any case. But, get two ...

Playing K L Rahul in Asia Cup would be asking for too much: Ravi Shastri

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri would not include K L Rahul in the playing eleven for the Asia Cup as it would be asking for "too much" from a player who has not played competitive cricket for close to four months. Both Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who are undergoing injury rehabilitation at the NCA in Bengaluru, are expected to regain full fitness before the Asia Cup starting August 31. "When you are talking of a player who has not played and is recovering from injury. To think of him in the playing eleven of Asia Cup, you are asking little too much of the player himself. "And then you are talking keeping when the guy has come from a knee injury, the range of movement, things like (that). That is a no, no straight," Shastri told Star Sports in a panel discussion referring to Rahul. He also warned against rushing back players from injuries. "You can't rush players back from injuries. You did that with Jasprit Bumrah, not once, twice but thrice and he has been out for 14 months ...