'In singles from here on'- Ravi Shastri posts a heartfelt message for his mom on her 80th birthday

The next stop of the Bangladesh tour of India moves to the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot for the second Twenty20 International in the three-match series. The visitors pulled off a massive heist at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi when they upstaged the hosts for the very first time after eight unsuccessful attempts in the past.

Bangladesh and in particular, Mushfiqur Rahim were able to finally exorcise the ghosts of Bengaluru 2016 where they famously, and tragically, botch up the run-chase in spectacular fashion. But in the process what they also did is expose (if it hasn’t been, already!) Or give another glimpse of India’s flawed or rather outdated approach in T20I cricket.

When Ravi Shastri was reappointed as the Indian coach, one of the major ‘to-do’ things; one that required attention at the earliest, was to bring about a change in approach towards T20 cricket. For long, India, despite boasting of the greatest T20 tournament in the world, has treated the format as poor-mans ODI cricket. Shastri had, in one of his earliest interviews, had acknowledged the same, stating that only 4-5 players from the current set-up fit in T20 plans.

But despite all the changes in the name of experimentation, the approach is yet to be altered. Shastri, on the other hand, garners more headlines by ending up on the wrong side of the social media trolls. Whether it is annual salary or his penchant towards drinking or his ‘bold’ comments, Shastri getting trolled isn’t even news anymore.

Ravi Shastri wishes his mother on her 80th birthday

But, November 06 is a different day. It’s a special day for the former Indian all-rounder; almost to the tune of being sacred. For, this is the day when his biggest fan, even bigger critic, his idol, his source of inspiration, his life, his constant support, his mother Professor. Lakshmi Shastri is born. Mrs. Shastri turns 80 today and the Indian coach posted a heartfelt message for her on this magnanimous occasion.

Taking to Twitter, Shastri wrote, “To my biggest critic and inspiration. Happy 80th Mom. In singles from here on. No rush. God bless.” 

To my biggest critic and inspiration. Happy 80th Mom. In singles from here on. No rush. God bless 🙏 pic.twitter.com/6oTz85zMNu

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) November 6, 2019