Former team coach Ravi Shasri called India the “Grandfather of World Cricket” during a recent episode of the Willow Talk Podcast in Sydney. Shastri also stated that Indian cricketers should participate in foreign leagues to get exposed to different conditions and play alongside international stars.
The cricketer-communicator’s comments came ahead of the white-ball series between India and Australia. According to the schedule, the tour will begin on Sunday, October 19 with the first ODI match in Perth. The Shubman Gill-LED-LED team will play two more Odis before the five-match T20I series.
India is the Grandfather of World Cricket – Ravi Shastri
In the latest Willow Talk Podcast in Sydney, the host described India as the “Father of World Cricket”. Ravi Shastri, declaring him, “India is the granddaddy of World Cricket”, prompts laughter from the hosts.
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BCCI does not allow active Indian cricketers to compete in foreign T20 leagues. As per the rules, retired players from both domestic and international cricket can join foreign tournaments provided they do not get a no objection certificate (NOC) from the board.
Ravichandran Ashwin has signed a major league (BBL) contract and will represent Sydney Thunder in the upcoming season.
Not everyone gets a chance to play – Ravi Shasti
In the same podcast, Ravi Shastri said that active Indian cricketers should participate in foreign franchise leagues. He said that playing in foreign conditions and sharing dressing rooms with international stars will provide invaluable experience and help the players develop their skills.
India have a vast talent pool, which means not every player can make the Test side, but they should still be given opportunities through lower-level contracts to gain exposure, Shastri said. He noted that the IPL has helped young Indian players grow by competing alongside world-class talent.
“India is a massive country, not everyone gets an opportunity to play, not everyone can. So why stop a guy if he can’t make the Test side, get a Level C or Level D contract?” Shastri said on the Willow Talk Podcast.
“That exposure will help him when he comes back like the IPL, where so many young players have rubbed shoulders with players of the highest class,” he said.
There is no better education than going abroad – Ravi Shasti
Ravi Shastri emphasized that Indian players get invaluable experience by learning and learning from legendary figures who can be part of their coaching teams along with international cricketers.
“They learn to handle pressure. Additionally, they get to rub shoulders with big international stars like ponting and fleming and international players,” Shastri said.
“It’s an education – and for me there’s no better education than overseas. The exposure is terrific, you learn a lot to understand different cultures and methods, not just in terms of bending – there’s a difference between one Australian and another,” he said.
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