Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri is a towering figure in Indian cricket. From gritty all-rounder in the 1980s to a bold voice in the commentary box, and then the head coach of Team India, Shastri has done it all. His story is filled with iconic moments, leadership milestones, and off-field charisma that continues to captivate cricket fans.

This tag page gives you the full arc of his career — from his rise in the 80s to his coaching legacy and cultural impact.

The Glorious Winter

The mid-80s marked the golden phase of Shastri’s playing career. By this time, he had already earned a reputation as a reliable all-rounder. But in the winter of 1984–85, he elevated his game and became a national star. His performances helped India dominate overseas conditions with discipline and flair.

World Championship of Cricket – 1985

Shastri stole the show during the 1985 World Championship of Cricket in Australia. He scored consistently and bowled with control. India remained unbeaten and lifted the trophy. Shastri was named the “Champion of Champions” and famously drove home an Audi 100 — a car that symbolized India’s sporting pride during that era.

Vice-Captaincy 1985

Riding high on his WCC heroics, Shastri became India’s vice-captain. His calm approach and solid game sense made him a natural deputy. At just 23, he carried leadership responsibility with maturity. He often guided the team on and off the field while maintaining his place as a dependable top-order batsman and spinner.

Captaincy Issues – 1987

By 1987, India was preparing to co-host the Reliance World Cup. Shastri seemed like a strong captaincy contender. However, selectors chose to rotate leadership between Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar. Despite being vice-captain, Shastri didn’t get the nod. This decision sparked debate and hinted at internal politics. He stayed focused and continued to contribute, but leadership remained out of reach.

Sacking and Vice-Captaincy – 1989

In 1989, India revamped its squad with younger players. As a result, Shastri lost the vice-captaincy. He also faced criticism for his conservative strike rate in ODIs. Yet, he remained an important part of the Test team. His bowling remained effective, and he delivered crucial knocks under pressure. Despite the setback, he didn’t fade quietly.

The Indian Summer

Shastri’s response came in style. In 1990, during India’s tour of England and Australia, he hit a memorable 206 at Sydney. It was one of the finest overseas double centuries by an Indian. His knock combined patience and courage, proving he still had plenty to offer. Fans began calling it his “Indian Summer” — a resurgence late in his career.

Late Career

Injuries began to affect his form and fitness in the early 1990s. Shastri’s dodgy knee limited his movement and reduced his bowling. Although he continued for a couple more years, his match-winning presence started to wane. He played his final Test in 1992 and quietly retired from international cricket soon after.

Post-Retirement

After retiring, Shastri jumped into the commentary box. His voice quickly became one of the most recognized in world cricket. He brought drama, insight, and unforgettable lines like “that went like a tracer bullet!”. He also served on BCCI committees and briefly worked as India’s team director during overseas tours.

Off the field, Shastri remained vocal and unapologetic. His opinions often stirred debate, but fans admired his honesty and confidence.

Coaching Career

In 2017, BCCI appointed Shastri as Head Coach of Team India. His partnership with Virat Kohli reshaped Indian cricket. Together, they built a team that played with aggression and fearlessness.

During his tenure:

• India beat Australia twice in Test series — including the historic Gabba win
• India held the 1 Test ranking for over two years
• Reached the World Test Championship Final in 2021
• Created one of the strongest pace attacks in Indian history

Although an ICC trophy remained elusive, Shastri’s impact was immense. He encouraged bold decisions and built a squad that competed fearlessly across conditions.

Legends League Cricket

Post-coaching, Shastri joined Legends League Cricket as its commissioner. The league features retired cricket legends in a competitive T20 format. His presence has brought media buzz, brand partnerships, and credibility to the league. Even after coaching, he continues to shape the future of the game.

In Popular Culture

Ravi Shastri isn’t just a cricketer — he’s a personality. From viral commentary memes to his classic sunglasses and booming voice, Shastri is firmly etched in Indian pop culture. His autobiography, “Stargazing: The Players in My Life”, reveals his journey in a bold, no-filter tone.

Today, fans love him for being real, witty, and full of cricket wisdom. Whether it’s a serious panel discussion or a light-hearted Instagram reel, Shastri remains relevant.

Follow the Journey of Ravi Shastri

This page brings you everything about Ravi Shastri — from his playing days to his coaching triumphs and media presence. For match flashbacks, quotes, interviews, and expert insights, bookmark this tag and stay connected to one of India’s most iconic cricketing voices.