Ravi Shastri reveals admiration for Pat Cummins since coaching era: He amazes me-OxBig News Network

Former India cricketer and broadcaster Ravi Shastri hailed Pat Cummins for his exceptional captaincy following the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Cummins led Australia to a resounding 3-1 triumph in the series against India, bringing the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy back to Australia for the first time since 2017.

Shastri, reflecting on Australia’s success, was lavish in his praise for Cummins, crediting the Australian skipper for his leadership and ability to inspire his team. Recalling his tenure as Team India’s head coach, during which India achieved historic back-to-back Test series victories in Australia, Shastri admitted that he had always admired Cummins.

Even during his time in charge of the Indian team, Shastri acknowledged being impressed by Cummins’ sheer competitive spirit and relentless determination. He highlighted how Cummins’ never-give-up attitude has been a defining trait of his career, both as a player and as a leader.

Shastri’s admiration for Cummins underscores the respect that the Australian captain commands across the cricketing fraternity, as his leadership style and consistent performances continue to leave a mark on the game.

“I would admire his determination”

“He (Cummins) amazes me,” the former India coach told ICC. “Even when I was the coach in the dressing room, I would just admire his determination, his willingness to compete. He never gives up and it’s like that session after session – he’ll come at you with the ball.”

Shastri also praised Cummins for bringing Australia back into the game vs India, as a captain, bowler and even a batter.

“And just when the chips were down, various times in the series, he rose to the occasion. And not just with the ball, but with the bat as well.”

Cummins won the Border Gavaskar Trophy, World Test Championship final, ODI World Cup 2023 and retained the Ashes under his captaincy. All of this happened in one and a half year as the Australian star enjoys a purple patch in his captaincy tenure.

For Shastri, the captivating narratives and compelling storylines were too enticing to just simply watch on television. They’ve drawn massive crowds, with many even travelling from abroad to witness history being made in person.

“For people to get out there and watch cricket when there is television, when there is OTT platforms, where all that is there, still for 375,000 people to come (to Melbourne) and then replicate that in Sydney with full houses, it’s unreal,” Shastri added.