Published 17:32 IST, October 22nd 2019
Ravi Shastri gives it back when asked about the pitches after the win
Ravi Shastri hit back when he was asked about the pitches after India had handed an innings defeat to South Africa in the third and final Test on Tuesday.
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Ravi Shastri seems to be having a very good second term as the head coach of Team India. He has been given another two-year extension i.e. till the ICC World T20 2021 which will be held in India. After whitewashing West Indies across all formats in the away series, India have proved why they are the world's best Test side after registering a clean sweep against South Africa in the three-match Test series. After an early finish on Tuesday, Ravi Shastri was in a jovial mood while speaking about the win.
Ravi Shastri's say on the pitch
After the end of the match, Ravi Shastri was very proud of the entire team for having played outstanding cricket not only in this Test match but throughout the series. When asked about the pitch, the former all-rounder said that the pitch did not matter at all.
"Our philosophy has been bhaad mein gaya pitch (to hell with the pitch). We need to take 20 wickets and it doesn't matter if it's Mumbai, Auckland, Melbourne, anywhere. Once we have taken those 20 wickets, our batting, once it gets going is like smooth-running Ferrari,'' said Ravi Shastri while speaking to the official broadcaster of the bilateral series.
"When you have five bowlers who can take 20 wickets, that's what matters," he added.
Ravi Shastri's impact on Team India
Under Shastri, India have won over 70% of their matches. These victories include whitewashing Sri Lanka in their own backyard in Tests, ODI's and T20Is in the 2017/18 season, home series win against Australia and New Zealand, limited-overs bilateral series wins against South Africa, Asia Cup 2018, the historic Test series wins against Australia Down Under followed by bilateral ODI series wins against the Aussies and the Kiwis. Away Test series losses against South Africa and England, losing to Australia at home earlier this year and a semi-final exit in World Cup 2019 are something which was witnessed during his tenure.
(With PTI Inputs)
16:26 IST, October 22nd 2019