WATCH | Ravi Shastri gets emotional while talking about India's Test win over Australia at Gabba
24 Jan 2024 10:59:15
Hyderabad, Jan 24: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri became emotional after receiving Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI Awards 2024 held in Hyderabad.
As a cricket player that spanned from 1981 to 1992, Ravi Shastri represented India in 80 Tests and 150 ODIs. Post-retirement, he became a beloved cricket commentator and served as the head coach of the Indian national cricket team. Thus, the BCCI award recognized Ravi Shastri's significant contributions to Indian cricket, both on and off the field.
While receiving the award, an emotional Ravi Shastri reflected on his journey and the numerous memorable moments he experienced throughout his career. He recalled the 1985 final against Pakistan in Melbourne, India's World Cup victory in 1983, and the T20 World Cup win in 2007, followed by the 2011 World Cup triumph when MS Dhoni sealed the game with a six.
But, for Shastri, the most cherished moment came during the 2021-22 Test series against Australia in Brisbane. With Indian Cricket Team suffering from several injuries and other setbacks, India clinched the series with Rishabh Pant playing a historic match-winning knock on the last day at the Gabba, which Ravi Shastri described as the "icing on the cake" of his coaching career.
Mr. Ravi Shastri receives the prestigious 𝗖𝗼𝗹. 𝗖.𝗞. 𝗡𝗮𝘆𝘂𝗱𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 🏆
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 23, 2024
Many congratulations 👏👏#NamanAwards | @RaviShastriOfc pic.twitter.com/KhvASeWC5w
"It is a special evening for me. I think picking one would be difficult. But I will just go very quickly. You showed one that the 1985 final vs Pakistan was special in Melbourne. 1983 when India when the World Cup. But in commentary, 2007 when they won the T20 World Cup and 2011 when MS hit that ball for six. Two back to back wins in Australia. But the icing on the cake was the last day at the Gabba when Rishabh Pant took us past the finishing line," Ravi Shastri said after winning the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award.
As a head coach who teamed up with Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri achieved several milestones, including two series wins in Australia and nearly defeating England on their home turf. He was instrumental to have bring in the aggression in on the field and shape up pace bowling unit that remains amongst the best in the world.
The BCCI Awards ceremony was a touching moment for Ravi Shastri, who started his cricketing journey at the age of 17 and dedicated his life to the sport.