'Wasn't Invited To A Single Selection Meeting': Ravi Shastri's Huge Revelation

28.04.2023 - 14:19 sports.ndtv.com

Former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri revealed that he has not attended a single selection meeting during his two stints with the side.

Shastri had a seven-year tenure with the national team between 2014 and 2021 – first as the team director and then as the head coach of the team.

He was succeeded by Rahul Dravid after India's elimination from the 2021 T20 World Cup. In a recent interview with ESPNCricinfo, he was asked about how the selection process actually takes place in real life and his answer left even the host of the chat show surprised. "I have zero first-hand experience [of attending selection meetings]," he said. "Seven years I was part of the team, I never went near a selection meeting.

I wasn't invited either. I think in the long run, yes [a coach should be invited],” he said. "You spend a lot of time with the boys, it's important, even if not in voting capacity, but to hear what the selectors are thinking, what is their train of thoughts are.

cricket India Cricket Team Ravi Shastri India

Apart from the high-octane action on the field in the IPL 2023, one major talking point in the cash-rich league has been the altercations between stars of various teams. Be it Royal Challengers Bangalore star Virat Kohli's on-field heated exchange with Lucknow Super Giants mentor Gautam Gambhir and pacer Naveen-ul-Haq. Or, KKR captain Nitish Rana's angry words with Mumbai Indians' Hrithik Shokeen. The on-field confrontations seem to be too many. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri feels that the IPL needs some on-field confrontations, which will spicen up things and pave the way for more rivalries.

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Prior to current captain Rohit Sharma's tenure, Team India had two contrasting leaders in MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. While Dhoni is known for his cool and calm demeanor, Kohli made his name with his aggressive approach on the field. Under Dhoni, India won the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. On the other hand, Kohli led Team India to new heights in the longest format of the game. On being asked to pick between Kohli and Dhoni's captaincy styles, former India head coach Ravi Shastri came up with an epic respose.

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"New Faces...": Ravi Shastri's Massive Prediction For India's 2024 T20 World Cup Squad

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Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri reckons it will be an emotional homecoming for Gujarat Titans' skipper Hardik Pandya who achieved stardom playing at Wankhede but defeating Mumbai Indians here is always tough for visiting teams. Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Ravi Shastri said, "Hardik's homecoming will be emotional. He will play a crucial match against the team at the ground where he rose to stardom. Hardik would like to prove a lot by leading his team to victory.