The head coach of the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri has many traits that make him an enigmatic figure, and getting worked up about social media trolls isn’t one of them.
Following India’s dominating series win against the touring England cricket team in a four-Test clash, the former Indian skipper got in front of the camera for an online interview and addressed the numerous social media posts that revolve around him and his fondness for alcoholic beverages.
.@RaviShastriOfc reacts to his memes doing the rounds #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/pNvZxKgUmM
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 7, 2021
"It's banter all the way. They do it to have fun. It's at my expense, but it's okay," Ravi Shastri in the post-match press conference the day after his Men in Blue thrashed Joe Root and CO. in just two and a half days to win the series at the newly inaugurated Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
"Have a drink on my name. When you post those kinds of things, so many people have a laugh," the India coach said. "Enjoy, it doesn't affect me.”
Doctors extracting alcohol to make sanitizer pic.twitter.com/XKAx4Hh2H3
— Sir Yuzvendra (parody) (@SirYuzvendra) March 2, 2021
"In cricket, if you are playing well and succeeding, people will be happy with you, and when you are not winning, you have to face some kicks and slaps," he added.
While some would still like to carry on with the trolling trend, Shastri’s simplistic response to the situation has led to getting support from the masses:
congratulations Ravi. Well Said. next time, don't even reply. They don't deserve replies. U r the best manager, who delivered a lot. Period
— Sustainable Value to All Stakeholders (@ZeRoBiAsBlUnT) March 7, 2021When Kumble was removed and you were brought back, I along all fams thought that Virat wants complete freedom and it will backfire....
But, you have 2 series win in Aus and that too with B team in the 2nd.... Hats off....
Sportsmanship is still alive & rocking inside Raaaaviiiii Cheers Sir !! pic.twitter.com/ruaSB5I8mf
— Vivek (@VivekT94218221) March 7, 2021@RaviShastriOfc Sir you are an attitude. pic.twitter.com/8XVtvQoBo4
— Apoorv (@aalisswell) March 7, 2021While back in the day, Shastri used to avoid addressing such issues on social media and in person, the former all-rounder has now found the strength to participate in the online banter and respond to those who wish to “bring some smiles in these tough times” at his cost.
One such incident took place at the end of the third match of the India-England series when writer and columnist Shobhaa De tagged the coach on a Twitter meme that made fun of Shastri’s fondness for drinking.
Smart!
@RaviShastriOfc pic.twitter.com/Mc22OIxVmb
Instead of reacting in a not-so-friendly manner, the former athlete kept his cool and responded with class.
Love the banter ! Feels good to bring some smiles in these tough times 🏻 https://t.co/mzPe5MtItj
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 27, 2021
Shastri is considered to be one of the most polarising people who has held the position of the head coach of the Indian cricket team, especially after someone as credible as Anil Kumble ended up resigning from the post following disagreements with skipper Virat Kohli.
However, if we take a look at the kind of dominance that Team India has had across all formats of the game, especially in bilateral series, Shastri’s case as one of the most successful Indian head coaches becomes really strong.
After the comeback series in Australia and a 3-1 victory over the English side, India are once against the best team in world cricket in the longest format of the game and are looking forward to locking horns against the mighty New Zealand roster in the finals of the World Test Championship come June 2021 at London’s Lord’s Cricket Ground.
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