'Always Have The Gun To Your Head': Ravi Shastri Reveals Cricket's Toughest Job

Ravi Shastri has worn several hats in the cricketing world, from representing India on the field to guiding the national team as head coach and later working behind the microphone as a broadcaster. Having experienced all three roles, the former India coach believes one of them brings a level of pressure that the others cannot match. In a conversation with Ian Smith on Sky Sports, Shastri explained why coaching stands above playing and commentary when it comes to professional demands. 

Why Shastri Finds Coaching More Demanding Than Playing

According to Ravi Shastri, the biggest challenge is the responsibility attached to the role, particularly when the outcome of a match is no longer in the coach's hands.

He pointed out that cricketers and commentators have something tangible to work with during their respective jobs.

A player can influence proceedings with the bat or ball, while a broadcaster has the microphone. A coach, however, has to watch events unfold once the team takes the field.

"Yeah, the toughest would be coaching, right. See, because you have nothing in your control once the players leave and get onto the field. You have the bat, ball when you're playing, the mic when you're broadcasting, but once the players go out, you know, you can only twiddle your thumbs."

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The former India head coach also highlighted the expectations that come with managing the national side.

He recalled the constant demand for victories, irrespective of the circumstances surrounding the team.

"And it comes with immense responsibility. You know, the expectations of the country are such. COVID, no COVID, you got to win, you know, game after game. So there's no hiding behind that, "

Pressure Comes With Its Rewards

Despite describing coaching as an extremely demanding assignment, Shastri acknowledged that success in the role brings considerable satisfaction and recognition.

"You know, you always have the gun to your head. But if you pull it off and you're successful, I mean, then the rewards, it's very rewarding. Gives you tons of respect. And, you know, makes you enjoy what you're doing and gives you that kind of job satisfaction with nothing else gave you,"

Shastri served as India's head coach from 2017 till late 2021, a period in which he experienced the intense expectations associated with leading the national team.

Even with Virat Kohli as captain, and Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and MS Dhoni in the ranks, the Men in Blue failed to lift any ICC trophies during his tenure.

However, the hunt would go on until the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Ravi Shastri's side, though, did achieve a massive feat, beating Australia in a Test series away from home, not once but twice, the only two times in the country's cricket history.