From Cricketer To Coach: Different Hats of Ravi Shastri

By siliconindia | Monday, 08 June 2015, 03:39 Hrs

#Cricketing Style

As a batsman, he was essentially defensive with his trademark "chapati shot" (a flick off the pads), but he could raise his strike rate when required. Due to his above-average height (he stood 6' 3" tall) and an upright stance, he had a limited number of shots against fast bowling, but was able to put the lofted shot to good use against spin bowling.

Shastri played either as an opening batsman or in the middle order. He equaled West Indian Garry Sobers's record of hitting six sixes in an over in first class cricket. He was forced to retire aged 31 due to a recurring knee injury.

#Post-Retirement

Shastri made his debut as a TV commentator with the World Masters Tournament in Mumbai in March 1995. He collaborated in starting up Showdiff Worldwide, a celebrity management company in 2003. He has since served ICC and BCCI in temporary official capacities and as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Since then he has done commentary in almost all the cricket matches for India.

#As a Coach

He temporarily coached the Indian cricket team for their 2007 Bangladesh tour. In 2014, he became the director of Indian Cricket team for a period of eight months from India's tour of England till the World Cup 2015. Currently he is the interim coach for the team India.