Happy Birthday Team India coach Ravi Shastri!
Indian cricket team's head coach Ravi Shastri turns a year older today. The former Indian player has been an integral part of Indian cricket. Since his retirement, he has established himself as one of the prominent voices of the sport. Here we take a look at some of the lesser known facts about Ravi Shastri.
ICC remembers Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri turns 56 today
Ravi Shastri was born on May 27, 1962 in Bombay. He began his career as a left-arm spinner and a number 10 batsman. He was promoted to opening the batting in less than two years. Shastri has batted in every position from one to ten during his career. He was forced to retire at the age of 30 due to a recurring knee injury.
BCCI wishes Indian coach well!
Shastri was the youngest to make Ranji debut for Mumbai
Ravi Shastri started taking cricket seriously at the age of 14. He made his Ranji trophy for Mumbai at the age of 17 and, at that time, he was the youngest cricketer to play for Mumbai in the Ranji trophy. His performance of 9-101 in the 1981 Irani Trophy remained as the tournament's record for close to 20 years.
Best remembered for 'Champion of Champions' series
The all-rounder made his Test debut for India against New Zealand in 1981. However, his most memorable performance for India was the 'Champion of Champions' series played in Australia in 1985. Shastri starred for India, claiming 8 wickets and scoring 182 runs. He was also handed the 'Man of the Series' and an Audi 100 for his efforts.
One of the most prominent voices of cricket
Ravi Shastri is one of the most prominent voices of cricket. Some of his iconic one-liners have earned him the tag of the undisputed king of cricket commentary. His famous lines include 'raced to the fence like a tracer bullet!', 'he flashes and flashes hard', 'make no mistake about it, it's a pressure cooker situation'.
Famously linked to Bollywood actress Amrita Singh
Ravi Shastri was one of the most good looking cricketers during his days and was a hit among the women. He was famously linked to Bollywood actress Amrita Singh. Shastri finally married Ritu Singh in 1990 and the couple has a 10-year-old daughter, Aleka, who was born in 2008.