Farewell, Ravi Shankar Shastri
Dear Ravi Shankar Shastri,
Notwithstanding the recent “Sharabi” image of yours, you were one of the best captains that India did not have in the longer version of the game. You were a cerebral player too. Here are some of your exploits that we remember:
1. Outfoxing the great Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards in the “Hirwani” test at Chennai, 1988
2. Playing an absolute % cricket during the entire 1985 WCC tournament in Australia was the need of the hour (taking the role of the swashbuckler Kris Srikkanth at the other end). Winning the Audi car was the perfect crown or the best one in your career
3. Your debut was an interesting one and comparable with the great Jaisimha, who scored a scintillating century in Australia, after arriving as a replacement player. You were called in as a substitute player (replacing the great Dilip Doshi) and made an impressive debut with your chequered left-arm spin
4. Ranji cricket buffs would remember your exploits in 1984–85 final and taking some 8 wickets in the 2nd innings. That was your best cricketing year in terms of achievements
5. Like the greats of that time, we remember your participation in English county cricket as part of Glamorgan (rumor mill says that the recommendation was made by the Haryana’s Hurricane)
6. We will never forget the courageous innings of yours against the mighty WI in 1989. Ian Bishop was emerging as the strongest bowler of his times. Amid the overall debris (Kris Srikkanth’s fracture, Azhar playing tennis shot, Vengsarkar’s half cocky shots, you played a very brave, courageous innings in one of the tests against the deadly pace quartet — Marshall, Bishop, Ambrose & Walsh. We, the test fans remember the commentary and the highlights too
7. Your bowing (runup, return gait, high-arm action, arm ball action, etc) was well captured in the Channel 9 telecast in Australia, 1985 & 86. We were charmed by your sleek action and delivery style
8. Yes, you were the heart-throb of the women and an object of envy too among your generational boys
9. Your achievements as head coach of the Indian team are well documented and known to all. It is difficult to work with Virat (ask Kumble) and you forged a successful partnership
Thanks, R.S.Shastri for all the contributions to Indian cricket! Farewell!
