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Cricket legends often have defining moments behind the scenes that shape their careers. One such powerful interaction involved former India all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri and a young Sachin Tendulkar during his debut tour of Australia in 1991-92.
Shastri recently unveiled a fascinating story, recalling how he advised the then 18-year-old prodigy to maintain composure amidst heated sledging from the Australian side. His unforgettable counsel? “Let the bat do the talking.”
A Blast from the Past: Sydney Test, 1991-92
Speaking at the Summer of Cricket Lunch hosted by Cricket ACT, Ravi Shastri vividly recounted the memorable Sydney Test. It was a game where he etched his name with a magnificent double century (206 runs).
Alongside him was a teenage Sachin Tendulkar, already showcasing flashes of the brilliance that would soon define his career. This tour marked Tendulkar’s first exposure to the intensity of Australian cricket.
The Young Prodigy Faces the Fire
“I remember playing at the SCG. It was Sachin’s first tour,” Shastri began, setting the scene. “I had just reached a hundred, and Sachin had just come to bat.”
It didn’t take long for the Australian team to test the young batsman’s mettle. The infamous Waugh brothers, Steve and Mark, were quick to unleash their verbal volleys.
Shastri recalled the sledging: “‘You little this, you little that’,” highlighting the direct and often personal nature of the exchanges.
Shastri’s Own Fiery Comeback
The atmosphere on the field was electric, charged with competitive spirit and sharp words. Even Mike Whitney, Australia’s 12th man, found himself caught in the crossfire.
Shastri, known for his no-nonsense attitude and quick wit, was in conversation with Allan Border when Whitney intervened.
Mike Whitney Gets a Dose of Shastri
“Mike Whitney had come on to the field,” Shastri explained. “He took the ball and said, ‘Get back into your crease; I’ll break your head’.”
Shastri’s response was classic, delivered with his characteristic swagger: “I turned and shouted across the SCG, ‘Hey Mike! If you could throw as well as you bowl, you wouldn’t be the 12th man of Australia.’ And that was it.”
This sharp retort, delivered with a smile and a roar, delighted the audience as Shastri recounted the tale.
The Defining Advice for a Legend
While Shastri was more than capable of handling the verbal skirmishes, he had a different approach in mind for the young Tendulkar.
Sachin, fueled by youthful exuberance and the desire to stand his ground, approached Shastri with a plan once he reached his own milestone.
“Let Your Bat Do the Talking”
“Sachin came to me and said, ‘Wait till I get to my hundred. I’ll also give them some of this’,” Shastri recounted.
But Shastri, ever the mentor, quickly intervened. His advice would become a cornerstone of Tendulkar’s legendary career:
- “You shut up.”
- “You’ve got enough class.”
- “Your bat will do the talking.”
- “Let me do the talking.”
This powerful directive, delivered with firm conviction, urged Tendulkar to channel his aggression into his performance, rather than engaging in verbal battles.
A Legacy Forged in Silence
History shows just how profoundly Shastri’s advice resonated with the “Little Master.” Tendulkar embraced this philosophy, focusing on his game and allowing his extraordinary talent to answer his critics.
He went on to become one of Australia’s most formidable opponents, amassing an incredible 6,707 runs across all formats against them. His bat spoke volumes, crafting an unparalleled legacy that far outlasted any on-field taunts.
This behind-the-scenes moment wasn’t just a piece of advice; it was a foundational lesson that helped shape Sachin Tendulkar into the iconic cricketer the world came to adore.
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