Ravi Shastri used unique tactics to motivate players: India player

Ravi Shastri coached India from 2016 to 2021 and registered some phenomenal achievements. His pair with Virat Kohli became a hit as they dominated Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa in away series, something that made a remarkable name for the captain-coach duo. However, at times Shastri also had to face fierce criticism for his forthright attitude. His contentious comments drew the attention of people and gave his critics a chance to come heavily on him.

However, it was during the Shastri-Kohli era that India sharpened their aggressive playing style. Under him, India formed a formidable pace attack comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj. With these speedsters, Shastri managed to earn a lot of match-winning performances in overseas conditions during his tenure.   

Recollecting how Shastri used unique tactics to push players to give their best, India quick Ishant Sharma shared his experience on Cricbuzz Specials show ‘The Rise of New India’.

Ishant was full of praises for Shastri and appreciated him for his contribution to the betterment of the team. He particularly exalted Shastri's positivity and his skill of comprehending a player and getting the best out of him. Ishant also spoke about how Shastri used to say hurtful things to him to get his best game for India.

"Ravi bhai has had a lot of impact in our growth. The biggest was that he would always have positive things to say, even if we endured a poor match. Another one of his strengths is that he knows how to bring the best out of a player. Like with me, he knows that if he has to make me give by 100 percent, I need to get angry. So he would say things that hurt you, pinch you. It drove you mad," Ishant said.

He sensed what each player needed to hear and worked things accordingly to channel their emotion: Ishant

The lanky pacer also recalled how Shastri used to understand what every player wanted. He also added that the former India coach used to do things as per the player's demand to utilise his emotion. 

Shastri acknowledged the differences that each player brought to the team and addressed them as per their needs. Ishant went to speak about how Shastri knew what to say to whom in order to stimulate their strength. He also said that there was never an off-field rift with the coach and that he was always there to lift up Ishant's spirit, even after he had had a bad game.

"He sensed what each player needed to hear and worked things accordingly to channel that emotion. That's how he used to deal with an individual. However, after the match was over, he would get back to being a totally different person. He said things like 'Forget if you've had a bad match. Focus on the next game," Ishant was caught saying.