Image Source : PTI Ravi Shastri
Known for not mincing phrases, India head coach Ravi Shastri on Sunday criticised the ICC for altering the qualification standards for the World Test Championship closing, saying the world governing physique must cease “shifting goalposts”.
India beat England 3-1 within the simply concluded four-Test sequence to arrange World Test Championship title date with New Zealand however the Indian coach wasn’t glad that halfway by way of the event, world physique modified the standards from most factors earned to most share factors earned.
“If you ask me about first cycle, please don’t shift the goalposts,” Shastri took a direct dig on the ICC when requested about what modifications he would really like when WTC is held throughout subsequent cycle of occasions.
“I am sitting at home because of COVID-19 in the month of October with more points than any other team, 360 apparently (having won three series and lost one). A week later without knowing some rule comes that we are going to go (move) into the percentage system and we go (slip) from number one to three (in points table),” the coach stated.
He continues, “Fine that is due to nations not desirous to journey, nations which might be within the crimson zone. All acceptable and nice.
“I want to understand the logic because now it’s like “What’s the way in which ahead for me?” Sitting 60 to 70 points ahead, I am told, now you have to go to Australia and what you have to do? You have to beat Australia,” he had plenty of sting in his voice.
“Now how many teams in last 10 years have beaten Australia?”
“If you don’t beat Australia, you come back home and you have to then beat England 4-0 and get close to 500 points and you still don’t qualify? So we have had to dig deep and go down every hole and we have earned our stripes to be in the biggest of the them all – the World Test Championship final,” the acclaimed commentator in him was out.
Love him or hate him, it is rather tough to disregard the affect he has on individuals generally. His followers love him however no more than the military of trolls, who’re all up in arms, making memes which might be distasteful many a occasions.
“I would say it’s banter. They do it to have fun at my expense. I will have milk and honey and you enjoy your drink,” he laughs.
“Kya farq padhta hai yaar (How does it matter buddy?). I imply whenever you publish these issues, kitne jan haanste hai, bolte hai Ravi ke barein mein (once they publish a meme, individuals chortle and so they speak about me).
“It’s okay as long as the team does well,” stated the coach, who confirmed plenty of spirit when socialite Shobha De posted one such meme.
From being criticised to being feted, Shastri is aware of the character of fickle- minded Indian followers.
“Criticism? what’s that. You know how quickly people change their opinions. So shanti rakho. Om Shanti Om.”
And what’s secret recipe of his success?
The former all-rounder believes his “man management” abilities have come to the fore, treating every participant otherwise, one thing that has paid dividends.
“I did not know what to anticipate after I first took up the job. But what I’ve learnt in final six years, I have never prior to now 35 years (as a participant and commentator).
“Man administration is crucial factor. More essential is to grasp human behaviour, their instincts, mind-sets. How somebody reacts to failure, how somebody reacts to success, when to speak, whom to speak and whom to not discuss.
“Virat wanted work ethic, fitness, high fielding standards and trust within the system and also get rid of excuses that this is not right and that went wrong etc etc”
Shastri ended like tracer bullet.
“When I walk into the team room and see the energy, I haven’t seen such atmosphere where you have trust, you enjoy each other’s company and performances,” he stated.