Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was considered one of the better all-rounders of his time in Indian cricket during his playing days for the national side. With the demand for multi-dimensional cricketers increasing by the day in the modern game, especially in the shorter formats, Shastri reckoned he would have raked in a moolah had IPL player auctions existed in that period.
In a conversation with ESPNCricinfo recently, the 1983 World Cup winner was asked what amount he would have fetched at the IPL auction and the ex-India all-rounder was quick to point out that he would have easily gotten INR 15 crore at the auction, considering his skillsets.“Comfortably in the 15 crore bracket. Comfortably! And captain of the side. No question. It’s a no-brainer,” he said.
Shastri, who led India in one Test and 11 ODIs, in his 12-year career for India, represented the national side in 80 Tests and 150 ODI matches. Shastri amassed 3830 runs in the longest format while picking up 151 wickets while scoring 3108 runs in the one-dayers while having 129 scalps to his name in the shorter format.
After his playing career, Shastri took on the commentator’s role and is known as one of the greatest voices of Indian Cricket before being part of India’s coaching staff for almost 7 years, first as the Director of Cricket and then the head coach. After his tenure ended following the T20 World Cup 2021 debacle, Shastri has taken the role behind the mic again for the host broadcaster in the ongoing IPL 2022 edition.
IPL auction has changed the face of the franchise T20 leagues around the world, while also changing the lives of cricketers coming from humble backgrounds. Several Indian all-rounders like Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Krishnappa Gowtham, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya have earned big bids over the years in the IPL auction.
