In a candid revelation, Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin has shared a surprising and heartwarming anecdote about former head coach Ravi Shastri. This story dates back to one of the darkest days in Indian cricket history, when the team was bowled out for a mere 36 runs against Australia in the first Test of the 2020 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Adelaide.
SOURCE : ZEE
The match, held in December 2020, saw India crumble to their lowest-ever Test score of 36, a record that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. After taking a 53-run lead in the first innings, the Indian batting lineup collapsed spectacularly in the second innings, setting Australia a modest target of 90 runs, which they chased down with ease. The defeat was not just a loss but a significant blow to the team’s morale
Source:- bbc news
In the aftermath of this crushing defeat, the mood in the Indian dressing room was understandably somber. However, Ravi Shastri, known for his motivational skills and unconventional methods, decided to lift the team’s spirits in an unexpected way. According to Ashwin, Shastri organized a team dinner and arranged for a karaoke session, where he himself took the microphone and started singing old Hindi songs
“We were not thinking about a series win because we were just bowled out for 36. The mood in the dressing room was a bit down. Ravi Bhai organized a team dinner. He arranged for karaoke, he started singing. He sang old Hindi songs. Everybody joined in,” Ashwin recalled
Shastri’s gesture had a profound impact on the team. It not only lightened the mood but also helped the players bond and regain their focus. Ashwin noted that this act of camaraderie played a crucial role in helping the team move past the debacle and focus on the upcoming matches
Adding to the team’s challenges, captain Virat Kohli was set to leave the squad after the first Test to be with his wife, Anushka Sharma, for the birth of their first child. This meant that the team had to regroup and strategize without their charismatic leader. Ashwin mentioned that the team set “small targets” and focused on taking each match one at a time, rather than thinking about the series as a whole.
What followed was nothing short of a cinematic turnaround. Under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, who stepped in as captain, India played some of the most inspiring cricket in recent history. The team bounced back to win the second Test in Melbourne, followed by a hard-fought draw in Sydney, and then clinched a historic victory at the Gabba in Brisbane, handing Australia their first loss at the venue in 32 years.
Ravi Shastri’s tenure as head coach was marked by several highs and lows, but his ability to motivate and inspire the team during tough times stands out. Ashwin’s anecdote is a testament to Shastri’s unique approach to leadership and his unwavering belief in the team’s potential.
As India prepares for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the lessons from the 2020 series remain relevant. The team, now under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir, will look to build on their past experiences and continue their pursuit of excellence in the longest format of the game
Ravichandran Ashwin’s revelation about Ravi Shastri’s surprising reaction after the infamous 36-all out provides a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of the Indian cricket team. It highlights the importance of leadership, camaraderie, and resilience in overcoming setbacks. As the team gears up for new challenges, the spirit of 2020 serves as a reminder of their ability to rise above adversity and achieve greatness
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