Sporting icons: Ravi Shastri - career details & video of this adaptable Indian cricketer

 


Ravi Shastri was born on May 27, 1962, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India. He is a former Indian cricketer and a prominent cricket commentator and coach. Here are some key highlights of his career:


Playing Career


Domestic Career

- **Debut:** Shastri made his debut for Bombay (now Mumbai) in the Ranji Trophy at the age of 17.

- **All-Rounder:** Known for his ability as a right - handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler.


 International Career

- **Test Debut:** Shastri debuted in Test cricket for India against New Zealand on February 21, 1981.

- **ODI Debut:** His ODI debut came against England on November 25, 1981.

- **Versatility:** Initially started as a bowler but transformed into a reliable top-order batsman.

- **Promotion:** Gained prominence in 1984-85, opening the batting and becoming a dependable all-rounder.


Major Achievements

- **Double Century:** Scored a double century (206) against Australia in 1992.

- **Fastest Double Century:** Holds the record for the fastest double century in first-class cricket, off just 113 balls, while playing for Bombay against Baroda in 1985.

- **1985 World Championship:** Named the "Champion of Champions" in the World Championship of Cricket in Australia for his all-round performances, where he drove home an Audi car as a prize.




Ravi Shastri had a distinguished career in both Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket. Here are his key records and statistics in both formats:


### Test Cricket

- **Matches:** 80

- **Runs:** 3,830

- **Batting Average:** 35.79

- **Centuries:** 11

- **Half-Centuries:** 12

- **Highest Score:** 206

- **Wickets:** 151

- **Bowling Average:** 40.96

- **Best Bowling Figures:** 5/75

- **5-Wicket Hauls:** 2


### ODI Cricket

- **Matches:** 150

- **Runs:** 3,108

- **Batting Average:** 29.04

- **Centuries:** 4

- **Half-Centuries:** 18

- **Highest Score:** 109

- **Wickets:** 129

- **Bowling Average:** 36.04

- **Best Bowling Figures:** 5/15

- **5-Wicket Hauls:** 1


 Highlights

- **Versatile Player:** Shastri’s ability to contribute both with the bat and the ball made him a valuable asset for the Indian cricket team.

- **Memorable Performances:** His all-round performance in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket, where he was named "Champion of Champions," is particularly notable.

- **Adaptability:** Shastri’s transition from a lower-order batsman and bowler to an opening batsman showcased his adaptability and cricketing acumen.


Ravi Shastri’s contributions to Indian cricket, both as a player and later as a coach, have left a lasting legacy. His records reflect his versatility and importance to the team during his playing days.


Coaching and Commentary Career

- **Commentary:** After retiring from cricket in 1994, Shastri became a renowned cricket commentator.

- **Team Director:** Served as the team director for the Indian cricket team from 2014 to 2016.

- **Head Coach:** Appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team in 2017, a position he held until 2021. Under his guidance, India achieved significant success, including Test series victories in Australia and a strong performance in home conditions.


 Legacy

Ravi Shastri is remembered for his versatility on the field, his contributions as an all-rounder, and his significant impact on the Indian cricket team as a coach. His career reflects a transition from a promising young player to a seasoned professional and influential figure in Indian cricket.


### Post-Retirement

Shastri continues to be involved in the sport through commentary and analysis, remaining a prominent voice in cricket media.


In  the below video  watch  glimpses of  Ravi Shastri's 206 at SCG




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