Ravi Shastri is set for his return to the Hindi commentary box in the upcoming IPL 2022 season. Shastri was kept away from the commentary duties due to being with the national side as head coach since 2017. Now, after his head coach tenure came to an end last year, the former India all-rounder will make his comeback in style in the role he is so respected and loved by the fans.
Shastri has been fortunate to make memorable commentary pieces in some of the best moments of Indian cricket in the past couple of decades. His bluntness, his charismatic attitude, and boisterous style make him a treat to listen to the fans.
Today, we look at some of his best and most memorable words as a commentator:
- As iconic was MS Dhoni’s six that sealed India’s 2011 World Cup final victory, Ravi Shastri’s commentary note was as much iconic.
“Dhoni finishes off in style. A magnificent strike into the crowd. India lift the World Cup after 28 years. The party starts in the dressing room and it’s an Indian captain who’s been absolutely magnificent in the night of the final.”
2. Ravi Shastri was well seated in the commentary box when the 2007 T20 World Cup India-Pakistan final was into its last stage. As India became the inaugural T20 World champions, it was fitting that it was Shastri who called it on broadcasting.
“In the air, Sreesanth takes it, India win! Unbelievable scenes here at the bull ring!”
3. Shastri was present in the commentary box once again when a major cricketing landmark was breached by Sachin Tendulkar in the 2010 Gwalior ODI versus South Africa as Tendulkar became the first batter to score a double hundred in ODIs.
“Get’s it. First man on the planet to reach 200. And it’s the superman from India- Sachin Tendulkar. 200 from 147. Take a bow master.”
4. When Yuvraj Singh hammered Stuart Broad for six maximums in an over in Durban during a group stage match in the 2007 T20 World Cup, it was Ravi Shastri who in his heavy excited voice commented:
“Aaaand he’s put it away or has he? Yes – into the crowd. Six sixes in an over. Yuvraj Singh finishes things in style. The first time it’s happened in 20-20.”
5. India registered a close one-wicket victory over Australia in the 2010 Mohali Test, courtesy of a fighting knock from an injured VVS Laxman. Shastri was brilliant in the commentary box in the concluding phase of the game.
“Get’s it away. Could this be a win for India? They go back for the second. It’s India that have won the Test match. A famous win. Unbelievable scenes in Mohali. VVS Laxman is the hero for India. The team will run out onto the park. Ricky Ponting will have to wait for his first-ever Test win in India. But these are scenes that you will never forget. Out of nowhere.”
