Early Life
Ravishankar Jayadritha Shastri was born on May 27, 1962 in Mumbai, India. His interest in cricket began at an early age and was nurtured by his supportive parents and friendly neighbourhood peers.
Entry into Cricket
Ravi stepped onto the field as a professional cricketer for the first time when he joined the Bombay team (now Mumbai) during the 1980-81 Ranji Trophy season. He quickly established himself as a valuable player due to his all-round style of play that involved strong batting, good fielding, and effective bowling skills.
Career Highlights
In his career spanning over 12 years from 1981 to 1992, Ravi Shastri represented India in several international test matches and ODIs. Perhaps one of his most marvelous performances is known as ‘six sixes in an over’ during a match against Baroda in the Ranji trophy tournament held in between 1984-85 seasons.
Shastri was part of some very successful Indian teams throughout the late eighties amongst which the World Championship of Cricket in Australia is notable where they beat arch-rivals Pakistan for the title and Shastri won the accolade of being named ‘Champion of Champions’.
The Transition to Coaching
After retiring from professional cricket, he took up cricket commentary for nearly two decades before stepping back into the field as Team Director for Team India in 2014 then becoming head coach after Anil Kumble’s tenure ended in June 2017. Under his leadership as coach from mid-2017 till present day, The Indian cricket team has secured victories across various tournaments including their historic maiden Test series win in Australia (in January 2019).
Personal Life
Ravi Shastri is married to Ritu Singh and the couple shares a daughter named Aleka. Beyond his commitment for cricket, he enjoys driving luxury cars and playing golf.
Acknowledgements & Awards
Beyond his famed ‘Champion of Champions’ title in the World Championship of Cricket 1985, Shastri over the years has received several awards acknowledging his significant contribution to Indian cricket both as a player and coach. He was awarded the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI Annual Awards in Mumbai on June 12, 2019 amongst other notable accolades.
