Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has opened up about his transformation into a broadcaster after seven years of coaching and spending almost all his time travelling. However, before taking up the high-profile role with the India national cricket team, Ravi Shastri was already a renowned broadcaster.
Ravi Shastri explains his broadcasting philosophy
Ravi Shastri was perhaps India’s most successful coach, and his partnership with Virat Kohli was one of the most successful, especially in Tests, as they won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy twice against Australia in Australia, won the Test mace five years in a row, along with strong performances in ICC competitions and countless thrilling victories.
However, the former captain and coach duo could not win the World Cup trophy during their tenure and ultimately, Shastri stepped down from his post in 2021 and returned to broadcasting. After breaking away from the Indian dressing room, he quickly adapted to his new role.
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The cricket pundit has made it clear that his job as a commentator is to show what is happening on the field, and not to protect anyone, even if they are his teammates or students.
Ravi Shastri on the launch of the partnership between Marriott Bonvoy and ICC said: “When I was a player, I used to be criticized. And when it became personal, it would frustrate you. But with time, you learn to handle those situations. I love constructive criticism. When I became a broadcaster, I said I have divorced the Indian dressing room, and I will speak on what I see. It doesn’t matter when I When I was playing the game, you were my partner or you were my friend.”
The former Indian head coach said, “I will speak on what I see because I have to tell the truth to the audience. This is my opinion. As a coach, again, but it is something you expect. In my tenure, there were good moments and tough moments. But again, you have to take it in your stride because you know there is another game coming. One day you are in pole position, the next day in troll position.”
‘You deserve criticism’
On handling criticism, Shastri said that he was the first to take responsibility when the team did not perform well, but also ensured that the team learned from the mistakes.
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“One thing I did as a coach was that when things were not going well, I told the team clearly, ‘You deserve criticism. I deserve it too,'” Shastri said. And then turn it over. And let your game do the talking rather than unnecessarily blaming anyone.
ICC partners 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 global events by providing fans access to premium accommodation around the world when traveling to watch international action.
Now, Marriott Bonvoy is offering its members exclusive access to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, including behind-the-scenes access and unique cricket events.
