When Ravi Shastri was appointed as India’s head coach, he faced a barrage of criticism, and some of his decisions were criticized even during his tenure. Shastri’s outspoken personality and some contentious remarks became fodder for memes and jokes. But, say what you will about the divisive Shastri, the Indian team became a force to be reckoned with under his leadership. Shastri transformed the Indian team with former captain Virat Kohli, making it the most formidable touring team and assembling a pace battery that could compete with the best. India’s ability to defeat Australia in back-to-back series, draw a Test series in England, and reach the final of the inaugural World Test Championship would not have been possible if their pacers had not performed well away from home.
Under the Shastri-Kohli regime, India’s five-pronged pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ishan Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, and Umesh Yadav, became the country’s most powerful force outside of India. Shastri’s baritone voice and no-nonsense attitude always pushed the players to go the extra mile, and the results were visible to all. India pacer Ishant Sharma recalls Shastri going above and beyond with his unique tactics to motivate and rile him up in the right way.
“Ravi bhai has had a significant impact on our growth. The most important aspect was that he was always upbeat, even when we had a bad game. Another of his strengths is his ability to bring out the best in players. He knows that if he has to force me to give my all, I will become enraged. So he’d say hurtful things to you, pinch you. It drove you insane, “On the Cricbuzz Specials Show ‘The Rise of New India,’ Ishant said.
Ishant’s career, in which he became only the second Indian pacer to play 100 Tests, can be divided into two parts: one in which he was a promising youngster who faded over time, and the other in which he made a storied comeback. However, at a time when the management was inclined to try out youngsters, Shastri and the former India bowling coach persisted with Ishant, almost giving his career a new lease of life. A bowler as tall as Ishant had more to offer, which is why the bowler had a sort of second coming. Ishant looked like a completely different cricketer after his average and strike rate improved significantly. All of this was possible because Shastri had a method to his madness.
“He could tell what each player needed to hear and how to channel that emotion. That’s how he used to deal with people. However, once the match was over, he returned to being a completely different person. ‘Forget if you’ve had a bad match,’ he said. Concentrate on the next game, “Ishant elaborated.
