Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has opened up about his transition to broadcaster after seven years of coaching and spending almost all his time traveling. However, before taking up the high-profile role with the India National Cricket Team, Ravi Shastri was already a well-known broadcaster.
Ravi Shastri explains his broadcasting philosophy
Ravi Shastri was probably India’s most successful coach, and his partnership with Virat Kohli was the most successful one, especially in Tests, as they won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Australia twice, winning the Test mace five years in a row, with strong performances in the ICC events and countless thrilling wins.
However, the former captain and coach duo could not win the World Cup trophy during their stint, and eventually, Shastri stepped down from his position in 2021 and returned to broadcasting. He quickly adapted to his new role after divorcing from the Indian dressing room.
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The cricket pandit has made it clear that his job as a commentator is to show what’s happening on the field, not to protect anyone, no matter if they were his teammates or students before.
Divorced from the dressing room: Ravi Shastri’s clear message as a commentator
Ravi Shastri said at the launch of a partnership between Marriott Bonvoy and the ICC: “When I was a player, I would be criticized. And when it got personal, it would disappoint you. But over time, you learn to handle those situations. I prefer criticism that’s constructive. When I became a broadcaster, I said I’ve divorced the Indian dressing room, and I will speak on what I see. It doesn’t matter if you were my colleague or you were my friend when I was playing the game.”
The former Indian head coach added, “I will speak on what I see because I have to let the viewer know the truth. That is my opinion. As a coach, again, but that’s something you expect. In my tenure there, there were good moments and rough moments. But again. You’ve just got to take it in your stride because you know there’s another game coming up. One day you’re in pole position, the next day in troll position.”
‘You deserve the criticism’
Speaking on handling the criticism, Shastri said that he took the responsibility first when the team didn’t do well but also made sure the team learned from the mistakes.
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Shastri added, “One thing that I did as a coach is that when things didn’t go well, I was clear to the team, ‘You deserve the criticism. I deserve it too.’ And then turn it around. And let your sport do the talking, rather than you taking off on someone unnecessarily.”
ICC teams up with Marriott Bonvoy to redefine fan experience
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Marriott Bonvoy have signed a multi-year partnership that will enhance the fan experience at the global events by offering fans access to premium accommodation around the world when travelling to watch international action.
Now, Marriott Bonvoy is giving its members special access to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, including behind-the-scenes access and unique cricket events.
