Ravi Shastri opens up about his life and cricket

Indian team director and current IPL commentator Ravi Shastri is a colorful character. Although he is famous with the newer generation for his impeccable comments in the commentary box, Shastri has always had a distinct swagger about him. This swagger was usually exhibited by the way he played the game. One of the first all-rounders to make it to the Indian side, Shastri has been a part of many an Indian squad that has etched its name in Indian cricketing history.

Recently, Shastri gave an interview to the Indian express regarding his life in cricket. Here are a few excerpts from the interview.

When asked whether he was always as flamboyant as he is, Shastri said, “Go and ask any of the boys who played U-19 cricket with/against me when I was captain. Pretty much the same.”

Shastri also attributed his personality to the travelling he had done across the globe as a cricketer. However, he also stated that he was a tad bit reserved early on in his career.

“It came with the exposure I guess. With travel. Meeting different people. Embracing different cultures. I was a guy who never sat in. I would be out whether I got out for 0 or a 100 or an 80, four wickets, three wickets. You could never find me in the room. I would find the best spots in town. Even if I had to go on my own. Whether it was Barbados, Antigua, wherever.”

“I would say I was reserved (then). Never over the top.”

Speaking about his young daughter, Shastri  said, “First class. The kid is tota (parrot), she is already doing commentary! (Her name is) Aleka. She is 7 and a half. I am like a bakri (goat), I do whatever she says. No questions asked. When I am in Mumbai, she is there with me most of the times. But I travel a lot, so that’s tough. “

Finally, speaking on his contribution to Indian cricket as a player, Shastri said that he was always ready to face any challenge. Shastri also spoke about the Audi that was given to him following his impressive performances down under

“No, I wouldn’t say bombastic. I was ready for a challenge. All the time I wanted to play against the best and perform against them. That’s why people ask me that transition from No.10 to No.1, it’s because I just wanted to go.”

“By 23, I had won the car. By 23 only. The achievement was so much. That’s what I’m saying. Those days I was at a night club in Oberoi hotel. Up till 2 o’ clock. Next day hundred. Then back at Oberoi. A lot of things you could have done better (Laughs). But that was you. Probably that’s the reason people hated your guts. If you got out for zero also you’d be having a drink. You would be with people.”

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