'Just think Indian' - Ravi Shastri opens up on CAA

At a time when the entire country is out on the streets with their opinions on the recent Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Ravi Shastri, also spoke about it, letting the world know about his stance on the controversial act. The last month or so has been full of turmoil and a highly respected individual like Shastri speaking out on such issue is what is needed to give the general public a direction on such matters.

Having played cricket for India for 11 long years, and commentated for another handful of years, Shastri is currently serving as the coach of the senior men’s Indian cricket team. Replacing the veteran spinner Anil Kumble for the head coach role in 2017, Shastri has been quite successful with the team.

The only red in his ledger remains the absence of an ICC trophy in Team India’s closet after he took over as the coach. But, with the T20 World Cup all set to be held later this year, he along with captain Virat Kohli will be looking to get the cup back home.

Shastri while speaking on the topic advised the general populous of the country to ‘Just think Indian.’ As quoted by News 18, Shastri said, “I have been playing for India from when I was 18 years old. In my team also there are all sorts, different castes, different religions. Just think Indian.”

Shastri backed his take and said that the government must have thought a lot and contemplated all the possibilities before taking a call on it. He also added that now that the act has been passed, all that is left is to implement it and make a few tweaks here and there if required.

Ravi Shastri advises everyone to stay patient

While Shastri remains to be the first one from India’s cricket fraternity to comment on this sensitive topic, he also took a safer side when asked a tricky question. When asked about the fear regarding the label of Indian and non-Indian being handed out to people he told that he hasn’t gone into those depths. Although he advised everyone to stay patient and wait for the benefits that this move has in store for everyone. Shastri also added that all of which he was saying depicted his own feelings. He said, “I am saying what I feel.”