Former India coach Ravi Shastri was spotted entering the dressing room after India’s thrilling victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final here on Wednesday. The booming voice of Shastri addressed skipper Rohit Sharma and the players before presenting the Fielder of the Match medal to Shreyas Iyer for his superb direct hit. The inspirational words from the former India coach helped lift the players and the dressing room erupted in joy as they welcomed back their former mentor for the special occasion.

Shastri Hands Fielder Of The Match Medal To Iyer

There were several contenders for the Fielder of the Match award in India’s Champions Trophy semi-final win against Australia here on Wednesday. Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli were the top contenders for the medal. After praising the overall fielding effort of the team and highlighting the individual performances, fielding coach T Dilip invited former India coach Ravi Shastri to present the medal. The charismatic Shastri, who is known for his motivational speeches, addressed the team before awarding the medal to Iyer for his match-winning direct hit.

Shastri’s Inspirational Words And Iyer’s Brilliant Run-Out

Shastri said when two champions are playing, you need a collective effort. “Individual brilliance will take you to a certain extent. But you need a collective effort to get over the finishing line when champions play. Today, two champions played, it was a pressure game, showed character and it was a team effort. Flashes of brilliance in the field always make a difference. Normally, it is the turning point. One more to go.” Iyer produced a blinding one-handed catch to run out Alex Carey (61). Carey tried to keep strike with a quick single but Iyer raced in from deep backward leg and launched a perfect throw at the keeper’s end, nipping the Australian batsman short of his crease.