During the four years that Ravi Shastri led India as head coach, the Men in Blue accomplished some incredible feats. But few, even with a relatively inexperienced squad, will match Australia’s historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in 2020–2021.
India’s first Test match in Adelaide ended in a humiliating loss, with them being bowled out for 36 in the second innings. During this encounter, Mohammed Shami sustained injuries. In addition, former captain Virat Kohli went back to India to be with his spouse during the birth of their first kid. In the second Test, India levelled the series in Melbourne thanks to a masterful captaincy from Ajinkya Rahane.
After Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin‘s valiant stand of 62 off 258 balls in the fourth innings, the third Test in Sydney was eventually drawn. Rishabh Pant blasted a spectacular 97 off 118 balls, including 12 fours and three sixes, before they teamed up. The visitors may have won the game if the wicketkeeper-batter had continued to play.
Pat Cummins intercepted Pant as he attempted to slug Nathan Lyon for a maximum to reach his tonne.
After giving up his wicket, Pant was sitting by himself in the dressing room, and Ravi Shastri disclosed how he had helped to cheer him up.
It’s not in line with his personality to be told not to play a certain shot. He may even play it more. I informed him that I was growing bored and that you were leaving in the same way. In Sydney, he batted superbly and was out for 97 against Nathan Lyon. After making a mistake, he returned to the dressing room and sat down. Speaking with Ashwin on the latter’s YouTube show, “Kutti Stories with Ash,” Shastri continued, “And then the second new ball was taken and Pujji [Cheteshwar Pujara] hit seven boundaries.”
He was therefore still sitting in the dressing room alone himself, wearing his pads, when I went to the lavatory. I told him, “Pujji is scoring all your runs,” as I gave him a look. He’s hit seven (boundaries). Indeed. Pujji is here; in thirty minutes, he has crossed seven limits. I then said, “Hit reverse; you are boring me, yaar.” You are leaving in this manner alone, nay, aur hoja [leave in a more odd manner] par Khatarnak fashion mein. “Ye hui naa baat” (now this is something), he said, the former all-rounder disclosed.
Shastri emphasised how crucial it is for a coach to comprehend each player’s mentality and make recommendations in line with that understanding.
Their way of thinking is entirely distinct from everyone else’s. I’m not allowed to tell Pujji to perform a reverse sweep. I must ask him to simply keep going. and that he has demonstrated on several travels,” the senior continued.
Pant continued to be a key player in India’s historic victory in the fourth Test at Gabba. India won the series 2-1 as the southpaw hit an unbeaten 89 off 138 balls in the fourth innings. India had to chase down a 328-run mark. Australia’s 32-year winning streak at the Gabba was snapped by India’s victory in the fourth Test.
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