Happy Birthday Ravi Shastri: 5 memorable performances of the cricketer enthralling audience

New Delhi: Ravi Shastri is one of legends who wore the Indian blue jersey and continues to be shine as Team India coach. He became the first Indian and the second player in the world to hit six sixes while batting against Baroda in a Ranji Match in the 1984-85. Shastri has been the reason for many Indian team wins over his decade long career. He even the player of the tournament in the 1985 World Championship.

But, playing is not the only thing Shastri is famous for, he is also known for his coverage of some iconic moments like Yuvraj Singh’s 6 sixes against England in 2007 and when he was the witness to the first ever double century made in an ODI match by none other than the ‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar. But the one which will be remembered forever is the iconic last six by Dhoni in the 2011 World Cup Final. Shastri’s words, “Dhoni finishes off in style. A magnificent strike into the crowd! India lift the World Cup after 28 years,” have made a permanent mark in the brains of Indian team fans.

Currently he is the head coach of the Indian Team since 2017. As Ravi Shastri turns 59 on Thursday, we look back at some of his most memorable innings.

187 vs England at the Oval, 1990

Shastri scored a tremendous 187 against a strong English bowling lineup when he opened for the Indian cricket team. The bowling attack included players like Devon Malcolm, Angus Fraser, Neil Williams and Eddie Hemmings. Shastri’s innings helped India to put a total of 606/9 runs on the boards. England got bowled out for 340 in response but they followed on to score 477/4 making the match end as a draw.

206 against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground, 1992

Ravi Shastri’s maiden test double century of his decade long career came against Aussies during his last tour of Australia. He smashed 206 runs in 477 balls at the Sydney Cricket Ground, hitting 17 boundaries and 2 sixes. He also established a 196 run partnership with Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 146 runs in that innings. Shastri performed with the ball also as he picked 4 wickets in the second innings, almost leading his team to victory.

121 against Pakistan Karachi, 1983

India vs Pakistan is always a lot of pressure for players of both countries and it becomes tougher if you are playing your debut match. But, Shastri didn’t felt that pressure and smashed 128 runs while opening for India. Even when the wickets kept on falling, Shastri kept his cool and built a partnership with Dilip Vengsarkar’s who also scored a half-century. India scored a total of 393 but the match ended as a draw.

51 against Australia in World Championship of Cricket, 1985

Ravi Shastri scored 54 in his 124 run opening partnership with K. Srikanth against Australia in the 1985 World Championship. The series later became one of the most memorable moments of his cricket career. His all-round performance helped India won the tournament by defeating Pakistan in the final. Shastri also won an Audi as he was named Man of The Championship.

102 against West Indies, St John’s 1983

Every team was feared of going against West Indies during the 1970s and 1980s. Drawing a match against them on their home ground was as good as win for the Indian team. Shastri scored a good 102 while coming at number 6 against a deadly fast attack that had legendary pacers like Andy Roberts. Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall. His innings helped India put 457 runs on the board which eventually was one of the main reasons that the match ended a draw.