It was India’s only sixth test victory out of the 45 Test matches played by the visitors in Australia. India beat the host Australia by 31 runs in a thrilling contest on Monday and the Indian team were clearly overjoyed even if the Australian tailender’s valiant effort brought the match too close for India’s comfort.
It was perhaps this sentiment that the coach of the Indian side, Ravi Shastri- a former Test player – expressed during a post-match television interview with the commentary team. However, the choice of his words sent the internet into a meltdown.
“Bilkul chhorenge nahi' lekin thori der k liye waha par goti muh me tha,” the 56-year-old Indian coach said while speaking to Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar who was a panellist for the Indian broadcaster Sony Six.
Shastri’s comment in Hindi translates to “We will not leave them at all but for some time there, balls were in the mouth. Though Gavaskar seemed zapped by the comment, he chose to just laugh it off.
As expected, the comment became viral on social media with some people expressing their shock, some outraged and other their disbelief at what they heard on national television when the viewership would be at its peak.
Another comment of Shastri also raised heckles of many when he said he wanted the Indian players to ditch the net practice session.
"They have to rest up, to hell with the nets,” said Shastri. “You just come there, mark your attendance and get away to the hotel. We know the Perth track is quick, it's a drop in surface, there will be something there for the fast bowlers."
India captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri (right) during the team training session at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Wednesday, December 5, 2018. Source: AAP
