Ravi Shastri hints at stepping down as head coach after T20 World Cup: ‘I achieved everything I wanted’

With his tenure coming to an end after next month’s T20 World Cup, India head coach Ravi Shastri admitted there will be a bit of “sadness” but he has no doubts that he is going out at the right time. Her tenure during “over-achievement”.

Shastri’s first stint as head coach began in 2017 before being reappointed in 2019. The T20 World Cup will start from October 17 in the UAE.

The 59-year-old is currently under quarantine here after testing positive for COVID-19. Speaking to ‘The Guardian’, Shastri said that winning the T20 World Cup will be special but in his time, the team has already done a lot of work.

“I believe it is because I have achieved everything I wanted. Five years as No. 1 (in Test cricket), to win twice in Australia, to win in England.

“I spoke to Michael Atherton earlier this summer and said: ‘For me, this is the final – beating Australia in Australia and winning in England in the time of Covid.’ We lead England 2-1 and the way we played at Lord’s and The Oval was special,” said the former player.

India were leading 2-1 against England when the fifth and final Test in Manchester was called off following the COVID-19 outbreak at the Touring Camp.

During Shastri’s tenure, India also registered T20 series wins in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and England.

“We have beaten every country in the world in white-ball cricket in their own backyard. If we win the (T20) World Cup it will be the icing on the cake. Nothing more.

“I believe in one thing – never stop in front of your welcome. And I would say that, in terms of what I wanted out of the team, I have achieved a lot. The series in England by beating Australia To lead. The COVID year? This is the most satisfying moment of my four decades in cricket.”

The flamboyant coach would love to sign with the ICC trophy, which the team did not lift during Shastri’s-Virat Kohli Step.

“We’re going to give it our all. Absolutely. If we play to the best of our ability we’ve got a team to win. Above all we’re going to enjoy it. Forget the pressure of a Test match. T20 cricket to enjoy. I plan to go out at a real height,” he insisted.

He said, “Yes, it will be a sad end because I have worked with many great players and celebrities. We have spent some good time in the dressing room. But, above all, the quality of our cricket and the results we have achieved. Made it one heck of a trip,” he said.

He also talked about the emergence of Jasprit Bumrah During his tenure as a lethal Test bowler.

“Nobody believed that Jasprit Bumrah could play Test cricket. He was a white-ball bowler. But when I took over as coach I asked myself: ‘How can I take 20 wickets overseas?’

“I knew I needed four great fast bowlers because I had played so much Test cricket against the West Indies. It started in 2018 in South Africa and we lost that wonderful series 2-1. I was at the Cape for that first time. Wanted to get Bumrah out in the Test.

“I tossed the idea to Virat months ago and told the selectors: ‘Don’t bring him to India. I don’t want the world to see him in Test cricket before Cape Town.’

“That was three years ago. Since then he has taken 101 wickets (in 24 Tests). It’s remarkable.”