India's Test XI in Sachin Tendulkar's debut match: Where are they now?

#6 Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri was the director of the Indian team

Ravi Shastri came into bat after the dismissal of Tendulkar and scored a gritty 45 as he helped India to a respectable total in the first innings. Known for his defensive style of batting, Shastri played out the last session of the fifth day of the Test match as India managed to draw what seemed to be a lost cause.

Shastri’s international career, however, was cut short by a recurring knee injury. He adorned the national colors for the last time in 1992 and was forced to retire aged just 31. He went on to play first-class cricket until 1994 after winning the Ranji Trophy with Bombay.

In 1995, the middle-order batsman who could also bowl left-arm orthodox made his debut as a TV commentator, a role he still enjoys fulfilling. Since 2003, Shastri has served the BCCI and the ICC in temporary official capacities. The UNICEF goodwill ambassador is seen commentating in India’s matches and in the IPL as well.

Shastri also acted as a temporary coach for the Indian team in 2007. Later on, in 2014 he was given the responsibility of the director of the Indian team, a job he successfully held till the 2016 T20 World Cup. Most recently he had applied for the job of the Indian national team coach, but Anil Kumble was preferred over him for the role.