Former India head coach Ravi Shastri’s final assignment was the T20 World Cup. Although India failed to reach the knockout stages, he has left behind a legacy that is unforgettable as India has emerged as one of the best teams in world cricket across formats.
However, he and Virat Kohli-led Team India had to face criticism also but that didn’t affect his mindset and his way of backing his players too. In a recent interview with the Times of India, he has revealed that there were people around him who wanted the team to fail on several occasions.
“There was always a lot of negativities around but luckily, I had no time for all of that. But those who know me well will know what a thick-skinned guy I am for such things to affect me.
“The more I saw people getting jealous of what this team kept achieving, the more I laughed at their insecurities. The more some people wanted this team to fail, the better we did,” he told TOI.
“Before we left for England this year, I had made up my mind to move on” – Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri, who had played 80 Tests and 150 ODIs for Team India, also opened up on his decision of quitting.
“Later, sometime before we left for England this year, I had made up my mind to move on. What precipitated it was a couple of reasons. First, I was pushing 60 and there were these Supreme Court rules and all.
“Second, I knew the quarantine and the bio-bubbles won’t go anywhere for another two years. Cricket will be played in isolation and that’s what we’re seeing right now too. So, I said enough. For how long will this carry on,” Ravi Shastri concluded.
Notably, Rahul Dravid has replaced him in the Team India head coach position now.
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