In a recent revelation, Ravi Shastri recounted an exchange between James Anderson and Jasprit Bumrah. Ravi Shastri recalled Anderson’s jesting advice to Bumrah to “stay inside” if things heat up. Ravi Shastri’s journey began on the field, representing India from 1981 to 1992. He wasn’t a one-trick pony; he was a valuable all-rounder. While he started as a left-arm spin bowler, he honed his batting skills to become a dependable middle-order batsman, comfortable batting anywhere in the lineup.
A defining moment in Ravi Shastri’s playing career was being part of the history-making Indian team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup. Shastri’s name is forever etched in cricketing folklore for a remarkable feat in 1985. During a Ranji Trophy match, he channelled his inner legend and replicated Sir Garry Sobers’ achievement of hitting six sixes in a single over.
After hanging up his boots, Ravi Shastri transitioned into coaching, taking the reins of the Indian national team in 2017. His tenure proved to be a period of significant growth for the team. Under his guidance, India secured back-to-back Test series wins against Australia, including the historic victory at The Gabba in 2021. Shastri’s coaching philosophy emphasized an aggressive and fearless approach.
In 2021, IND vs ENG Test in Lords, Bumrah, known for his aggressive bowling style, peppered Anderson, a veteran England player, with a barrage of short deliveries (bouncers) in a 10-ball over. This tactic targeted Anderson and aimed to unsettle him. Anderson was reportedly unhappy with the bouncer barrage, particularly since some deliveries went over his head and resulted in no balls. Some reports suggest he felt Bumrah was trying to injure him, while others suggest it was simply frustration at the tactic.
What Ravi Shastri Said
During a conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Ravi Shastri shared his thoughts on Jasprit Bumrah’s relentless delivery of bouncers to James Anderson. He said,
“What’s wrong with that? You got a bat in your hand. There’s no rule that tail-enders you shouldn’t (bounce). Then declare the innings, no? If it gets too hot in the kitchen and you don’t want to be there, then stay inside, be clear, your fingers are fine, everything is fine, you can bowl as much as you want so that you’re not injured,”
When Jasprit Bumrah stepped out to bat in the second innings, England retaliated in kind. However, their strategy backfired as Bumrah’s partnership with Mohammed Shami enabled India to set a target of 272 for the hosts. In the end, the visitors clinched victory in the Test by 151 runs.
Ravi Shastri on Spirit of Cricket
Ravi Shastri fully supports the notion of running out a non-striker for excessively backing up. This perspective gained attention during the spirit of cricket debate sparked by Ravichandran Ashwin’s similar action against Jos Buttler during IPL 2019.
Nevertheless, Shastri asserts that adhering to the rules embodies the true spirit of cricket. He emphasises that there’s no merit in complaining about being dismissed due to excessive backing up, advocating for fair play and respect for the game’s regulations he said,
“Forget spirit. I believe in rules. You (Ashwin) mankaded a guy, it is rules, there’s a rule book, observe the damn rules. A guy running two steps ahead, ‘It’s not fair, you should warn me.’ For what warn? The rule says you’re cheating. I hate warnings. I ll take the bails off straightaway. On your bike now! Rule book page 33. Don’t whinge and moan after the event. It’s there. Its same for both teams,”
Under Ravi Shastri’s bold leadership, coupled with the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India transformed into a formidable team capable of winning matches on foreign soil. Their crowning achievement came in the 2018/19 season when they clinched their maiden Test series victory in Australia.
Also Read: IPL 2024: Ravi Shastri Gives A Hint That He Might Coach An IPL Team In The Near Future