“Do not think this is a holiday where you…” Ravi Shastri To The Young Players Of The Indian Team

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that India’s recent Test series triumph in Australia showcased the depth of young talent in the team. As India prepares for the upcoming World Cup, Shastri is optimistic about the possibilities offered by the talented youngsters in the squad. While India has consistently performed well in ICC events in recent years, the quest for a major trophy has remained elusive since 2013.

Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India aims to end this drought and secure their third World Cup title on home soil in 2023. Shastri, closely observing the progress of young Indian batsmen in the IPL, has identified several uncapped players who could contend for a spot in the World Cup squad.

Reflecting on India’s memorable 2020-21 Test series win in Australia, Shastri credits the opportunity provided by injuries for youngsters Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur to make their mark on the international stage. Shastri emphasizes the importance of having a pool of 15-20 players, always prepared with backup plans (plan B and plan C), considering the prevalent occurrence of injuries. He recounts how he motivated Sundar and Thakur during the tour, reminding them they were not just net bowlers but potential match players. True to his words, when the need arose, they stepped up and delivered exceptional performances in the final Test.

“You have a lot of injuries these days. I always like a pool of 15-20. You should always be prepared, you should have a plan B, plan C. For example, when we went to Australia for that famous series in 2021, we took about 30 players. On the flight, there was Shardul Thakur and I think there was Washington Sundar, who were chatting with me. And I said, ‘This is not a holiday. Do not think this is a holiday where you are a net bowler. You can play any time. So start preparing from day one.’ And, lo and behold, here comes the last Test with no one else to pick. These guys play and do a wonderful job,” Shastri said.

Shastri expresses uncertainty about the opening partnership for India in the World Cup. While Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have formed a formidable opening pair, Shastri suggests that form leading up to the tournament will be crucial in determining the final selection. With various options available, India must assess the players’ current form and performances to make the best decision for the team’s success.

“No, that is going to be a challenge. You will have to see closer to the event. Form again becomes important,” Shastri said.

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Discussing the enigmatic case of Sanju Samson, Shastri believes that the talented wicketkeeper-batsman is yet to fully realize his potential at the international level. Recognizing Samson as a match-winner, Shastri expresses his disappointment if Samson fails to finish his career with a flourish. Drawing a parallel to his time as a coach when he valued Rohit Sharma’s contribution to the team, Shastri holds similar expectations for Samson and hopes to witness him shine brightly on the international stage.

Shastri highlights the abundance of young talent waiting in the wings for India. He mentions the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera, Sai Sudarshan, Jitesh Sharma, and Sanju Samson, who he believes have the potential to make significant contributions to the national team. While some have already showcased their domestic and IPL cricket skills, Shastri believes there is still untapped potential waiting to be unleashed.

“Similarly here, there are so many youngsters. There is Jaiswal and, I might miss out on a few here, Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera. There is Sai Sudarshan, who played so well in the IPL final. There is Jitesh Sharma. There is Sanju Samson, who I believe is yet to realise his potential. He is a match-winner. There is something that is missing. I will be disappointed if he does not finish his career all guns blazing. It is like when I was the coach, I would have been disappointed if Rohit Sharma had not played in my side as a regular Test player. Hence, his opening the batting. I feel similar with Sanju,” Shastri added.