Ravi Shastri shared a video on his social media handles on Saturday, where he spoke about the relationship he shared with the late Aussie star Shane Warne. News of Australian spin wizard Shane Warne’s untimely death has left the cricket world devastated and many have expressed their sadness about the player’s untimely demise.
Former team India head coach Ravi Shastri also paid an emotional tribute to his pal. Australia cricket’s legendary leg-spinner died of a heart attack aged 52. Shane Warne, widely regarded as one of the greatest spinners to have played the game, made his debut in 1992 and picked 708 wickets in 145 Tests. In ODIs, Shane Warne registered 293 scalps to his name in 194 appearances.
Ravi Shastri Revealed Last Meeting Shane Warne At A Nottingham Bar
The former Indian coach and commentator revealed how he had last met Shane Warne at a bar in Nottingham, and the two had planned to sit together for a chat.
Ravi Shastri said: “The last time I saw you was at Nottingham. You poked your head in a bar when we were out of quarantine and were allowed to sit in a bar and have a drink. I shouted, ‘Aaye Warnie, come here my friend,’ and you saw me and came right up.
“I held you like that and said, ‘How are you mate? We need to have a chat,’ and you said, ‘Anytime, Ravi.’ That was the last time I saw you, and it hurts.”
“This is no age to go but they also say the good die young. Condolences to the family, my friend. A message for you, God bless your soul. Get freaking upstairs in a hurry, spin a web.
“But remember, once you do that, we are ordinary mortals and make it easier for all of us to tread the path, reach upstairs to join you for a pint. Remember, we are coming without a bat in hand, so make it easy,” said Ravi Shastri.
Both Shane Warne and Ravi Shastri had shared the commentary box for countless matches. The ex-India player also spoke about how he relishes the conversations and banter he shared with Shane Warne over the years.
Ravi Shastri Recalled Meeting Shane Warne For The First Time In Sydney In 1992
Ravi Shastri recalled how he first saw leg spinner Shane Warne at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in 1992. The 59-year-old also stated that he did not initially expect the crafty leg-spinner to achieve the immense success that he ultimately did.
Shane Warne had a forgettable international debut, taking 1 for 150 in a Test against India in Sydney in 1991-92. He was dropped but later in 1992 showed glimpses of what he was capable of when he won a Test in Colombo which Australia had little hopes of winning.
The 1993 Ashes series was the making of Shane Warne. His first ball in an Ashes Test is regarded as the “Ball of the Century”, when he foxed Mike Gatting with a ball that pitched outside leg-stump, beat everything, and clipped the off-stump. He achieved his best Test figures of 8 for 71, against England in Brisbane in 1994.
Ravi Shastri said: “The first time I saw you was at the SCG. You were all round, nothing one called of an Australian athlete. But believe you me, after five days, I knew very clearly what you were all about and where you were gonna go.
“Certainly, in my wildest dreams, I did think that you would go as far as you did. Born in 1969 and gone in 2022. In that span of time, you were the largest larger-than-life character that I played the sport with.”
“You were a friend. With you, I could talk about anything. I enjoyed maximum conversations with you behind the box. But once we finished our commentary stints, the banter at the back was amazing. Nothing to do with cricket and, your knowledge, my friend. You always had the ace of spirits in your pocket. You were damn right 80-90% of times.”
It is worth mentioning that Ravi Shastri was Shane Warne’s maiden wicket in Test cricket. While he had a forgettable outing in his Test debut, Shane Warne went on to establish himself as one of the cricketing greats, claiming more than 1000 wickets in international cricket.
Shane Warne played for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) between 2008-10. He led the side to title glory during the inaugural edition in 2008, thus becoming the first-ever and the only captain-cum-coach to win the IPL to date. He is survived by two daughters and a son.