‘To hell with those who don’t understand’- Ravi Shastri on respecting BCCI President Sourav Ganguly

Ravi Shastri, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, is least bothered about the speculations surrounding his relation with Sourav Ganguly. Shastri feels that it’s a chance for the media to dramatize the situation and present it in an eye-catching way to the public. Even a week ago, Ganguly dismissed the rumours of the alleged bad blood between him and Shastri.

It all started when the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) picked Anil Kumble as India’s head coach ahead of Shastri. Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman were a part of the CAC. Thereafter, there was a public fall-out between Shastri and Ganguly. Shastri eventually went on to become the head coach in 2017 after the Champions Trophy in England.

“As far as the Sourav-Shastri ‘game’ goes, that is a brilliant chaat and bhelpuri for the media with all mirch and masala,” the 57-year-old Shastri was quoted as saying in India Today while clearing the air over the ever-lasting matter.

I have got utmost respect for Ganguly, says Ravi Shastri

After Ganguly became the BCCI president, Shastri congratulated him. Shastri, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, stated that he has utmost respect for Ganguly and he doesn’t care about those who don’t respect their camaraderie. Shastri also put forth how Sourav stood tall at a time when Indian cricket was massively hit with match-fixing scandals.

“What he (Ganguly) has done as a cricketer, I have got utmost respect. He took over Indian cricket at the most troubled times, post the match-fixing era when the Indian cricket was in shambles. You needed the faith of the people to comeback and I respect that. And if people don’t respect that, to hell with them,” Shastri, also a former Indian cricketer, added.

What is this social media, this troll?, hits back Shastri

Shastri also talked about the constant criticism hurled at him for various reasons. He admitted that being the coach of the Indian team comes with a whole lot of expectations. Shastri said that he won’t be getting intimidated by any kind of talks. As per him, critics won’t be quiet.

“What is this social media, this troll? I post for my fans, they read, thank you very much…uske baad bhaad mai gaya jo.. (go to hell). It is just to tell my fans, I am here and what I am doing. Bolne waale bolenege (critics will never be quiet). We are a country of 1.2 billion people. People who do not have any work, they will speak,” Shastri added.