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ICC World Cup 2023: Shastri sees first 10 overs as crucial in a nervy final against Australia

Former India's head coach, Ravi Shastri said that the first Powerplay of both innings could strongly influence the outcome of the finals.

By Soumya | Nov 18, 2023 | 3 Min Read

Former India’s head coach, Ravi Shastri said that the first Powerplay in both innings could strongly influence the outcome of the World Cup finals. Ahead of the mercurial clash against the Aussies, Shastri spoke in an exclusive interaction with the TOI. According to Shastri, he was facilitated by DP World. Shastri is also confident about the Indian team ahead of the marquee clash. Moreover, this time the contest is not only limited to bat and ball but much more. This includes Virat Kohli’s blazing form, Rohit Sharma’s “last dance” and the magical pace trio of Shami, Bumrah and Siraj.

However, Team India will be up against a very different Australian side that they met last time in Chennai. Australia was down and out after crashing in the first two games against India and South Africa. The men in yellow have since then set things right for their team. Australia’s shambolic batting order in the first two games has found a way to make a remarkable comeback and managed to win games. On the other hand, in games which needed inspiration (like against Afghanistan), their big match players like Maxwell and Marsh (against Bangladesh) have done exceedingly well. Finally, the Aussies found the perfect sync in their bowling department as well in the semi-finals where Starc and Hazelwood rattled through the top order of South Africa. Meanwhile, Adam Zampa has shouldered the responsibility of being the lone spinner in the side well.

Shastri’s prediction in the big match final

“When India played Australia in Chennai on October 8, I said this is the dress rehearsal of the final. That happened a month-and-a-half ago and it has come true” said Shastri in a pre-match interview. According to Shastri, India is the clear favourite at the finals with the way they are playing. Ravi sees the first 10 overs as very crucial with how Rohit Sharma is playing at the top. Likewise, Australia also have some powerful hitters in their arsenal with the likes of Travis Head, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh. The impact these players have is reflected in the performance that both teams have gone through in this tournament.

Shastri also spared a thought about the phenomenal form that Virat Kohli has shown in this World Cup. “He is writing his own script, the kind of form he is in. Do not be surprised if another hundred is in the corner. He did it in the semifinals and he might do it in the finals. There is nothing bigger than that.” Moreover, Shastri was also positive about the quintessential display of bowling throughout the tournament. “There are three terrific fast bowlers (Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj) and then there are quality spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.” Shastri was quick to add that the quality of these bowlers has made the pitch factor a secondary fiddle.

In the closing stages of the interview, Ravi was also asked how he felt about seeing the growth of the team in which he laid the foundation stone. “It is very heartening and I am desperate for them to win. When I was there, I was very disappointed that a team of this calibre did not win the World Cup.” While leaving as the head coach of the Indian team, he had said “You deserve to win the World Cup. Stay focused, be determined and the time will come.” For many players, it might be the last chance to win the glimmering trophy and if Shastri’s words come out to be true then it will surely be India’s hour of reckoning.