ravi shastri

Watch: “He was a big idol for me” – Google CEO Sundar Pichai opens up about his childhood hero during IND vs SA Super 8 Clash

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:50:48 GMT

Google CEO Sundar Pichai was one of the special guests at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Super Eights match between India and South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday evening.

Pichai, who leads Google and its parent company Alphabet Inc., sat in the stands with ICC Chair Jay Shah during the big match. This game was a rematch of the 2024 T20 World Cup final. Before the match started, Pichai carried the T20 World Cup trophy onto the field with former India captain Sunil Gavaskar.

During the mid-innings break, Pichai spoke with former India head coach Ravi Shastri. He talked about his love for cricket and his childhood hero, Gavaskar. Pichai said, “When I was growing up, Sunny (Sunil Gavaskar) was a big idol for me. We used to have the Sportstar poster on my walls. So, I have followed the sport from a young age.”

Watch the video here:

Sundar Pichai 🤝 Sportstar

"When I was growing up, Sunny (Sunil Gavaskar) was a big idol for me. We used to have the Sportstar poster on my walls. So, I have followed the sport from a young age," said Google CEO Pichai, in a conversation with Ravi Shastri during the mid-innings… pic.twitter.com/kbt5ZRlDcZ
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) February 22, 2026

Pichai Shares His Love for Cricket

“I used to listen to the commentary on the radio for the games in the West Indies with my granddad and granduncle. I have always been into the game,” he added.

Other important guests at the India–South Africa match included ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, former India captain MS Dhoni and his wife Sakshi Dhoni, and Bollywood director Farah Khan. The official attendance for the match was 90,954.

In a post on X, ICC Chair Jay Shah welcomed Sundar Pichai to the game. He said it was a pleasure for the ICC to host the CEO of Google and Alphabet Inc. at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup match at the Narendra Modi Stadium. He also said that the partnership with Google India is helping to grow the sport and bring fans closer to the game.

Also read -Watch: Faf du Plessis sings CSK anthem during IND vs SA T20 World Cup 2026 super 8 match

ICC and Google Partnership

The International Cricket Council has partnered with Google for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Google Gemini is the Official AI Fan Companion, and Google Pixel is the Official Smartphone of the tournament. According to the ICC, Gemini will help fans enjoy and understand the game in new ways. Google Pixel will capture special moments from inside the stadium.

South Africa Beat India by 76 Runs in the Super 8 Match

Defending champion India suffered its first loss of the tournament on February 22, 2026. South Africa won the Super Eight Group 1 match by 76 runs. South Africa scored 187 for 7 in 20 overs. In reply, India were all out for 111 in 18.5 overs.

India lost two early wickets during the chase. Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma played quick shots against Aiden Markram and Marco Jansen and got out early. This early setback made the chase difficult for the team.

Watch: Abhishek Sharma meets Yuvraj Singh ahead of India’s key T20 World Cup 2026 clash vs South Africa

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 16:15:52 GMT

India's star opener Abhishek Sharma has failed to score runs in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. With the next match coming up against South Africa, Abhishek will be looking forward to getting those first runs in the tournament since he has scored three consecutive ducks so far. While skipper Suryakumar Yadav has shown much confidence in the player, his performance has invited a lot of criticism regarding India's playing XI.

Ahead of the upcoming contest, Abhishek was seen visiting his mentor and former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh in Ahmedabad. The legendary all-rounder has worked hard behind Abhishek and has been his backbone even before he played for India. Since both are aggressive and dangerous left-handed batters, some similar qualities had brought them together in the past.

Videos went viral on social media, which show that Abhishek met with Yuvraj and then returned to the hotel last night before the clash. India will face South Africa on February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The fans will be anticipating a solid comeback innings from Abhishek against the Proteas.

Watch the video here:

🚨 Last night, Abhishek Sharma met Yuvraj Singh in Ahmedabad.

Abhishek was later seen returning to the team hotel after the meeting.
Yuvraj must have guided and motivated him for today’s big match against South Africa.
Abhishek’s performance in the Super 8 is very important.… pic.twitter.com/AjxJC0Apxn
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) February 22, 2026

It has been Ishan Kishan: Ravi Shastri

India's former cricketer Ravi Shastri spoke about Abhishek Sharma's form on the ICC review, where he looked quite positive. As per the former cricketer, the left-handed batter is saving the best for the Super 8 matches since they are more crucial.

“I look at it as a positive that Abhishek Sharma has got three zeros. So, save your best for the important periods in the tournament. Teams will be a little worried that he's not got runs," Shastri said on the ICC Review.

Shastri mentioned that the Indian team is filled with outstanding players for the way they have stood up in the group stage. In every match, there were different POTMs, which proves that players have given their best and will be looking to do the same in the T20 World Cup knockouts.

“I think the positive (for India) is that in every game there's been someone who stood up. It has been Ishan Kishan, sometimes Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) in the first game. Tilak Varma has played his part. He's got off to starts but I still think the best of him is still to come," said Shastri.

IND vs RSA: 'Save your best for the...' - Ravi Shastri's interesting take on Abhishek Sharma's three ducks in T20 World Cup 2026

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 19:05:02 GMT

Ahead of Team India’s Super-8 clash against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026, the spotlight has firmly been on opener Abhishek Sharma. The left-handed batter, who entered the tournament with high expectations, has struggled to find rhythm and has endured a hat-trick of ducks, raising concerns over his form at a crucial stage of the competition. However, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has offered a contrasting perspective, rather than viewing the lean patch as a setback.

Ravi Shastri described it as a positive sign, suggesting that such phases are part of a young cricketer’s growth curve. His remarks underline confidence in Abhishek Sharma’s potential to bounce back strongly when it matters most, reinforcing the belief within the camp despite the recent setbacks.

Abhishek Sharma enjoyed a prolific run in T20 internationals in 2025, emerging as Team India’s highest run-scorer with 859 runs in 21 matches at an impressive average of 42.95 and a staggering strike rate of 193.46. However, the left-handed opener has endured a dramatic dip in form during the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, failing to open his account and registering a hat-trick of ducks. His lean patch has sparked widespread discussion, particularly given the high expectations surrounding him, and with the Super-8 and knockout stages approaching, his role at the top of the order is expected to be pivotal.

Abhishek Sharma’s Three Consecutive Ducks a Positive Sign for Team India

Most Indian fans are worried about Abhishek Sharma's form, who has scored three consecutive zeroes. Still, Ravi Shastri described it as a positive sign for Team India and hopes that the young opener will perform well in important matches.

Ahead of the Super-8 match against South Africa, Shastri said on ICC Review:

"I look at it as a positive that Abhishek Sharma has got three zeros. So, save your best for the important periods in the tournament. Teams will be a little worried that he's not got runs.”

The Indian camp is also not worried about Abhishek Sharma's form, confirmed by captain Suryakumar Yadav himself. On Saturday, in a pre-match conference, Surya said that I am concerned about the people who are worrying about Abhishek. I am more concerned about the teams that will face Abhishek later. He did everything last year; now it's our turn to support him.

"I think..." - Monty Panesar backs this Indian legend for England coach role after England's dismal performance in ongoing Ashes 2025-26

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 17:07:29 GMT

The England team’s terrible Ashes 2025–26 performance has brought the coach Brendon McCullum into the limelight. There is a lot of speculation regarding the future of the much-discussed ‘Bazball’ playing style. The series was lost in just 11 days, and with the score at 0-3 and two Tests left, the team led by Ben Stokes has been completely outclassed in all areas by Australia.

Monty Panesar brings up Ravi Shastri as the one who can help England solve the Australian problem

Meanwhile, the dust has not settled yet, and the former England player Monty Panesar has put a rather surprising but at the same time very attractive name on the table: Ravi Shastri. During his conversation with journalist Ravi Bisht on YouTube, Panesar insisted that Shastri's acknowledged ability to defeat Australia was what made him a perfect choice to pull England out of their present predicament.

“You have to question who clearly knows how to beat Australia,” said Panesar. “What are the ways to mentally, physically, and tactically exploit their strengths? I think Ravi Shastri must be the next head coach of England.”

ALSO SEE: Watch: India's Women's World Cup 2025 winning team enjoys at The Great India Kapil Sharma Show as video goes viral

The credentials of Shastri are tough to overlook. He was the captain behind the two famous Test series wins in Australia during India’s heydays, 2018–19 and again in 2020–21, while he was the India head coach. The latter victory, which was attained in spite of injuries and the notorious 36 all out in Adelaide, has been described as one of India’s greatest overseas accomplishments.

Bazball is at a turning point as McCullum faces the consequence of the Ashes collapse

McCullum, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s choice in 2022, first made the Test team of England a different character. Together with Stokes, he took the team to 10 victories in their first 11 matches, bringing back faith and combativeness. But the victory has now turned to a draw. England has been unable to win high-profile series against Australia and India and has lost 16 of the last 33 Tests.

McCullum has, however, been criticized, and has still kept saying he is not the one to decide about his future. He is under contract until the 2027 ODI World Cup, and he keeps insisting he is still motivated, calling the England role “a pretty good gig.”

With the Ashes already lost and the pressure mounting, the ECB is faced with a crucial decision. The choice between continuing with the Bazball approach or seeking a tough tactician like Shastri could determine the course of England's red-ball cricket for many years.

Monty Panesar suggests former successful Indian coach's name to become next England coach

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 02:12:00 GMT

While English cricket is in deep concern after already suffering the away Ashes Trophy (2025-26) as they lost the first three games out of the five matches and two matches are yet to be played, former English cricketer Monty Panesar suggested the name of a former successful Indian head coach for the next English coach context.

English head coach Brendon McCullum and his fearless "Bazball" have now been massively criticised due to very irregular performances, which have now shifted more towards losing results. Despite strong criticism for a long time, there have been hardly any significant changes in the game strategy, which raises the question of the maturity of the coaching and leadership strategy in the English team.

While it was expected to be a tight contest for the Ashes 2025-26 in Australia, at least from some English cricket experts, we have majorly experienced the immature performance from the English side, as Australia have strongly won the series with two matches yet to be played. Moreover, the hosts Aussies have missed some of their crucial players, but the visitors hardly put any significant challenges.

I think Ravi Shastri should become England’s next head coach: Monty Panesar

Former English spinner Monty Panesar pointed out that the English team needed an experienced coach who knew Australian cricket. He suggested the name of the former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri.

Panesar told journalist Ravi Bisht, “You have to think: who exactly knows how to beat Australia? How do you take advantage of Australia’s weaknesses, mentally, physically, and tactically? I think Ravi Shastri should become England’s next head coach.”

India with coach Ravi Shastri won two Test series in Australia

Under the head coach Ravi Shastri, India won back-to-back Border-Gavaskar Trophies in Australia, in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons. These are the only times when India won any Test series in Australia.

Watch: “Don’t make fun of…”- Ravi Shastri attacks Gautam Gambhir on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:05:52 GMT

The former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri, requested the selectors and the management of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to leave Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future, besides warning them of the consequences of messing with the giants of the game. Rohit and Kohli had been facing the heat of performing heading into the three-match ODI series against South Africa at home.

Kohli is the second leading run-getter of the ODI format with 14557 runs in 296 innings at an average of 58.46, thanks to 53 centuries and 76 fifties at the best score of 183. Meanwhile, Rohit Shama has clubbed 11516 runs, scoring 33 centuries and 61 fifties, to find the ninth place in the same list.

“These two are grandfathers. White-ball giants, toh aise players ke saath aap masti mat karo yaar (don’t needle them). Agar unka dimaag theek ho gaya na, and sahi button dabaaye na, sab aaju-baaju nikal jayenge (If their brains get fixed and they press the right button, everyone will run for cover.” Ravi Shastri expressed in an interaction on Prabhat Khabar.

Ravi Shastri cooks Gautam Gambhir on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future

Shastri was the architect of the golden era of the Indian cricket team, a phase between 2017 and 2021, when he was the head coach of the Blue Brigade as they were invincible in both the red-ball and white-ball formats of the game.

Watch the video here:

Shastri cooked GG - AA combo! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/y2n2pGx1eS
— Amit T (@amittalwalkar) December 10, 2025

“You can’t buy experience from the market outside. One is a master chaser; the other one has three double centuries in ODI cricket.” Shastri added that Kohli and Rohit are irreplaceable as the veteran will be back in action during the upcoming three-match ODI series at home against New Zealand at the start of 2026.

Kohli finished the recent Protea series with 302 runs in three innings, thanks to two centuries and one unbeaten half-century. On the other hand, Rohit celebrated two fifties in his old aggressive rhythm as the hosts completed a 2-1 series victory.

Watch: “Not that bad side…”- Ravi Shastri thrashes Gautam Gambhir’s coaching for IND vs SA 2nd Test defeat

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:00:46 GMT

Since India’s 0-2 Test series defeat against South Africa at home, India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has been under tremendous pressure. It has been his second red-ball series whitewash in successive years, having already experienced such a feat in 2024 against the New Zealand side when they lost by 2-0.

The former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri, however, went after the players for their inability to play spin despite growing up in these conditions from childhood. At one point, they were 100/1 before falling to 130/7 during the second Guwahati Test. He reckoned that it would be important for the players to take responsibility.

“Now you tell me- the scorecard reads 100/1 in the recent Test match that just happened in Guwahati. Suddenly, you become 130/7. This is not a bad team. They have so much talent in them. So, the players will also need to take responsibility. You have been playing spin since your childhood.” Shastri expressed in a podcast.

Watch: Ravi Shastri asks players to take responsibility for IND vs SA Guwahati Test defeat

Shastri shed light on how he would take full accountability for the Test series defeat. Gambhir, during the post-match conference, found himself under the bus regarding the questions on his future as the head coach. He addressed that it would be up to the BCCI, besides noting his success in the position in the last few months.

Finally shastri ji thrashed gambhir 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LpJGEklsTb
— 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭!𝟎𝐧_👑🚩 (@bholination) December 1, 2025

“I am not saving anyone (regarding whether he was trying to save the current head coach- Gautam Gamhir). If that had happened to me, I would have taken full accountability. But I wouldn’t have left the players in the team meeting.” Shastri added.

“And yes, people can keep forgetting about it. I’m the same guy who got results in England as well, with a young team. And I’m sure you guys will forget very soon, because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand. And I’m the same guy who won the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup as well. Yes, this is a team that has less experience.” Gambhir said in the press conference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggered Ravi Shastri’s criticism?

He slammed the team’s batting collapse from 100/1 to 130/7, calling it unacceptable for a side strong against spin.

Does Shastri blame only the coach?

No, he blamed both players and the coach, saying players must take responsibility for poor batting.

Which tactics of Gambhir were questioned?

Shastri criticized the odd batting order changes and overuse of all-rounders instead of specialist batters.

Why did Shastri say India isn’t “that bad”?

He felt the team has talent but was mismanaged tactically and mentally in the match.

Is this a recurring issue under Gambhir?

Yes, this was India’s second consecutive Test series whitewash under Gambhir’s coaching.

“I Don’t Understand This Thought Process…” Ravi Shastri Slams Gambhir’s Selection Ideas Against South Africa

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:34:56 GMT

Ravi Shastri has strongly criticised Indian men’s head coach Gautam Gambhir for his poor selection choices in the ongoing two-Test series against South Africa. Shastri, one of India’s most successful coaches, said he has been trying to understand the thought process behind Gambhir’s decisions but has not been able to make sense of them.

Shastri’s criticism focused on India’s new obsession with all-rounders in Test cricket. Since Gambhir took charge last year, all-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana have grown in importance, while specialist batters like Sarfaraz Khan have been pushed aside.

In the South Africa series, India picked three spin all-rounders and even promoted one of them, Washington Sundar, to number three by dropping specialist batter Sai Sudharsan. After losing the first Test by 30 runs, India made a few changes in the second Test. They brought back Sudharsan to replace the injured Shubman Gill, but still depended heavily on all-rounders in the lower order, with Nitish Kumar Reddy taking Axar Patel’s place.

As Sudharsan returned to number three, Sundar moved back down to number eight.

Also Read -Why Smriti Mandhana has removed all wedding photos from her Instagram profile?

Shastri Questions Gambhir’s Selection Calls

“Just doesn’t make sense,” Shastri said on air during the second Test. “I don’t understand the thought process there. When they look back at the series, some of the selections… I’m still trying to understand what they were thinking. In Kolkata, one of the spinners (Sundar) bowled only one over. They could have picked another specialist batsman.

“Here again, Washington batted at three in the last Test and could have easily batted at four now that you already had a number three. He is not a number eight; he is far better than that,” he added.

Different Approach from Shastri and Dravid

Gautam Gambhir’s ideas are very different from Shastri and even his successor, Rahul Dravid. Both former coaches backed an aggressive Test style with five specialist batters, an attacking wicketkeeper, and five specialist bowlers. For them, the batting skills of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were a bonus, not the main plan.

Gambhir, however, is the only Indian coach to be whitewashed in a three-Test home series. On Monday, South Africa pushed India to 122/7 in the second innings while defending 489, putting huge pressure on both Rishabh Pant and Gambhir.

Former World Cup winner likely to replace Ajit Agarkar as chairman of the BCCI selection committee

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:22:39 GMT

In the meantime, while a part of Indian cricket fans are showing their displeasure with the Chairman of the BCCI selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, a massive update has come. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri is likely to become the next person to grace the chair.

Ajit Agarkar's current tenure as the BCCI's Chairman of the Selection Committee runs until June 2026. He was appointed to the role in July 2023, and his contract has been extended for another year from its original end date in 2025. During this time period, Team India emerged as the winners of the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Despite these notable successes, a part of Indian cricket fans are furious over him because of some controversial player selection decisions. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir also has been facing criticism from the fans for months now.

Ravi Shastri to become the Chief Selector after Ajit Agarkar?

According to the claims, Ravi Shastri can be the next chairman of the BCCI selection committee after Ajit Agarkar. Shastri, who is currently working as a commentator and cricket expert, was the head coach of Team India from 2017 to 2021. He was appointed in July 2017, and the contract was extended in 2019. After the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021, his contract ended.

Under this coaching team, India gained numerous successes, including winning the Test series in Australia (2018-19) for the first time, reaching the semi-finals of the 2019 ICC ODI World Cup, and winning the Asia Cup 2018. Shastri’s commanding presence in the dressing room played a crucial role in fostering belief and resilience within the team. During his cricket-playing days, Shastri won the historic 1983 World Cup. Shastri was a key player for India in this victorious campaign. He played a total of 5 matches in the tournament.

“Enough class…”- Ravi Shastri recalls how Australia planned to sledge Sachin Tendulkar

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 10:29:10 GMT

The former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri, recalled one of the matches against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground when he faced several sledges from the opposition along with former state and national team-mate, Sachin Tendulkar. Shastri revealed that when Australia tried to go after Tendulkar, the latter was prepared for a response.

Shastri recalled that Sachin Tendulkar planned to give it back to Australia in the same manner, while the former head coach suggested that Tendulkar shut up and reply with his batting.

“I remember one at the SCG. It was Sachin's first tour. I had just reached a hundred, and Sachin had just come to bat. And he was being sledged by the Waugh brothers (Steve and Mark). 'You little this, you little that'. And Mike Whitney had come on to the field as a 12th man. I was having a pow-pow with Allan Border until I reached my 100. He took the ball in his hand and said, 'Get back into your crease; I'll break your head'. I turned around there.” Shastri expressed at the Summer of Cricket Lunch hosted by Cricket ACT.

Ravi Shastri recalls Sachin Tendulkar’s advice to reply to Australia’s sledging

Tendulkar has played 110 games against Australia, where he scored 6707 runs with the help of 20 centuries and 31 half-centuries at the best score of 241* at an average of nearly 50.

“There were mics, and you could be fined. So I went to the centre of the pitch and I shouted across the SCG, 'Hey Mike! If you can claim to throw as well as you can bowl, you wouldn't be the 12th man of Australia. And that was it. Sachin came to me and said, 'Wait till I get to my hundred. I will also give them some of this. Shastri reckoned.

“I told Sachin, 'You shut up. You've got enough class; your bat will do the talking. Let me do the talking. And from 100 to 200, there wasn't a word, but at the end of the game, they were the first guys in the dressing room with a beer. Play it hard. You've got to be competitive. That's what the crowd respects. That's what the opposition respects.” The former Indian spinner added.