PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: Ravishankar Jayadritha Shastri
Nickname: Ravi
Profession: Former Indian Cricketer, Cricket Coach
Date of Birth: 27 May 1962 (Sunday)
Age (as of 2024): 62 Years
Birthplace: Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India
Zodiac sign: Gemini
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Religion: Hindu
Age: 62 Years
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EDUCATION
School: Don Bosco High School, Matunga, Mumbai, India
College: Ramniranjan Anandilal Podar College of Commerce and Economics. Matunga, Mumbai, India
Educational Qualifications: Studied Commerce at College Level
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters- 191 cm in meters- 1.91 m in Feet Inches- 6’ 3”
Weight (approx.): in Kilograms- 92 kg in Pounds- 203 lbs
Body Measurements (approx.): – Chest: 44 Inches – Waist: 36 Inches – Biceps: 16 Inches
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Family: Father – M. Jayadratha Shastri Mother – Lakshmi Shastri Brother – N/A Sister – N/A
Marital Status: Divorced
Affairs/Girlfriends: Amrita Singh, Actress
Wife: Ritu Singh (a classical dancer; married 1990; div. 2012)
Children: Daughter – Aleka Shastri (born 2008) Son – None
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
International Debut: Test – 21 February 1981 vs New Zealand at Wellington ODI – 25 November 1981 vs England at Ahmedabad
MONEY FACTOR
Career Turning Point: When he got Man of the Series award for his 182 runs and 8 wickets against Australia in the World Championship of Cricket
Salary (as the Head Coach of the Indian National Cricket Team): Rs. 9.5-10 Crore (as in 2019) [1] Hindustan Times
Salary: Rs. 9.5-10 Crore
OTHER INFORMATION
International Retirement: Test – 26 December 1992 vs South Africa at Port Elizabeth ODI – 17 December 1992 vs South Africa at Durban
Coach/Mentor: BD Desai, VS “Marshall” Patil, Hemu Adhikari
Domestic/State Team: Bombay, Glamorgan
Nature on field: Aggressive
Likes to play against: Australia
Favourite Shot: Chapati Shot
Records (main ones): • When he was selected to play Ranji Trophy for Bombay, he was then the youngest cricketer to play for Bombay. • His first over was a maiden in Test Cricket and that too to the New Zealand captain Geoff Howarth. • In 1981 Irani Trophy, he took 9 wickets for 101 runs, which had been a tournament record for nearly twenty years. • In a West Zone Ranji Match against Baroda, he scored the fastest double hundred (in 123 balls) in first class history. • He scored six sixes in a single over of the left arm spinner Tilak Raj in a West Zone Ranji match against Baroda. • He took 5 wickets for 15 runs against Australia in a match of World Series Cup which was then the best bowling record by an Indian.
Hobbies: Music, Playing Golf
Cricketer: Batsman: Sachin Tendulkar , Viv Richards and Virat Kohli Bowler: Shane Warne and Imran Khan
Food: Kakori Kebab, Nawabi Fish Tikka
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Ravi Shastri’s journey in cricket began in earnest during his teenage years, a time when his passion for the sport took root and blossomed. It was in his final year of college that he caught the eye of selectors, earning a spot on the Bombay team for the prestigious Ranji Trophy. This selection marked a significant milestone in Shastri’s burgeoning career, paving the way for what would become a prominent role in Indian cricket. Just 18 months after making his Test debut, he was remarkably promoted from the tenth position in the batting order to open the innings, underscoring his versatility and adaptability on the field.
As his career unfolded, Shastri’s ability to bat in every position from one to ten became a testament to his comprehensive skill set. Despite being a gifted bowler, he candidly acknowledged in an interview that he had often prioritized his batting over his bowling, a decision that would define his playing style. Known for his deliberate and methodical approach, he was sometimes labelled as a “snail-speed-run-scorer.” Yet, this perception did not overshadow his effectiveness; journalist and commentator Harsha Bhogle famously likened the experience of watching Shastri bat to admiring the Qutub Minar—tall, timeless, and solid. His performance during the 1983 World Cup, where he opened alongside Srikkanth, was particularly noteworthy and contributed to what many consider his most successful tour, culminating in India’s historic victory.
Ravi Shastri’s family background also showcases a legacy of sportsmanship, with his cousin sister, Mridula Shastri, having captained the Indian Women’s Team in swimming and water polo. His own cricketing prowess was exemplified by his famous “Chapati Shot,” a technique he perfected for playing deliveries off his pads. However, the twilight of his playing career came sooner than expected; a chronic knee injury forced him into retirement at the age of 30, marking the end of an era but not of his association with cricket.
Following his retirement, Shastri transitioned into commentary, quickly establishing himself as one of the most respected voices in the game. His poised and insightful commentary resonated with audiences worldwide, further elevating his profile within the sport. In addition to his media engagements, he took on a coaching role, temporarily leading the Indian team during their 2007 tour of Bangladesh. His illustrious career came full circle when he was appointed Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team on July 11, 2017, a position that allowed him to influence the next generation of players.
Beyond cricket, Shastri’s impact extends to philanthropy, having been named National Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, reflecting his commitment to social causes. In a heartwarming moment captured in June 2022, he shared photographs of the iconic gold-coloured Audi he won as the Champion of Champions in the 1985 World Championship, showing his daughter Aleka the significance of this memento. This blend of sporting excellence, familial pride, and commitment to giving back encapsulates the essence of Ravi Shastri, a figure whose influence on Indian cricket and society continues to resonate deeply.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.