Team India’s exit from the T20 World Cup Super 12 stage marked the end of Ravi Shastri’s tenure as the head coach of the national side. Under Shastri, the team achieved the No.1 ranking in Tests and multiple overseas Test series victories in Australia, as well as some impressive performances in England and South Africa. However, India failed to win a single ICC trophy during Shastri’s reign. As a result, Shastri tenure as head coach has always received mixed reviews.
On being asked to look back at Shastri’s shortcomings as head coach, former India batter Gautam Gambhir criticised him for his statements following India’s major wins in overseas matches.
“The one thing I found surprising is that when you are performing well, you don’t generally boast about it. It’s fine if others talk about it. When we won the World Cup in 2011, no one gave statements that we are the best team in the world, let alone the country,” Gambhir told Times Now Navbharat.
“When you win, let others talk about it. You won (Test series) in Australia, that’s a big achievement no doubt. You performed well in England, no doubt. But let others praise you. Rahul Dravid will never give such statements. Whether the Indian team plays well or not, his statements will always remain balanced. Also, it will reflect on other players,” the cricketer-turned-politician added.
For the record, Shastri had famously labelled India’s Test series victory in Australia (2018-19) “as big, or even bigger” than the 1983 World Cup win.
