Nothing like playing the game, says Ravi Shastri

Former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri, who turns 50 today, relives his journey with Vijay Tagore and says the adrenaline rush as a player was his most ennobling experience

Q: When you retired from international cricket in 1994, you said, “I’m not getting any younger.” Now, at 50, how do you feel?
A: It’s been one terrific journey and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. The game has given me everything and it continues to provide me the thrill and opportunity to carry on doing my best.

Q: Now, when you look back, how has the journey been?
A: I’ve been lucky to play the No 1 sport in the country at the highest level. And to rub shoulders with the best in the trade and be part of the teams that won the World Cup and the World Championship is amazing. Also, to call the winning shot in the 2011 World Cup final was a thrilling experience. These are memories that will last forever. I’ve to thank god and the BCCI in many ways. The Indian cricket board has been kind of guardians who have been there right through my playing career.

Q: Is there anything you would have liked to achieve?
A: No one can be satisfied with whatever is around him. You will always crave more. Rather than being greedy, you just have to thank God for giving you what He has.

Q: So there are no regrets...
A: Absolutely not. I just want to thank god for giving me whatever He has.

Q: Is there anything you want to achieve?
A: Well, I would like to carry on enjoying. You know what I do — enjoy with all the lads, contribute in whichever way I can, and help the society.

Q: How difficult it is to achieve the position you are in?
A: You got to keep things simple, as I always mention, and never have an agenda. When you’re part of the media, speak on what you see and remember what you went through as a player because that keeps you in good place when evaluating an individual or team performance. You know before you actually let the viewer know. Or the readers know.

Q: Your stint as commentator has been longer than your playing career. How do you differentiate the two professions?
A: These are two different professions but nothing beats playing the game. Playing for the country, that adrenaline rush, the feeling of being watched by millions... it is all special. Television is the next best thing because again it is live. The thrill of live cricket keeps you on the edge of your seat. Now, with the Twenty20 format coming in, you’re on the edge of your seat more than ever before.

Q: During your famous live spat with Nasser Hussain, you said England were jealous of India. Recently, Kevin Pietersen shared the same opinion. Do you feel vindicated?
There was a hue and cry all over the media when I said that. Today, I’m glad my views have been openly endorsed. I firmly believed in what I said. If I were to face a similar situation now, I would say the same thing without changing one word.

Q: You attract a lot of criticism for your commentary, don’t you?
A: That’s my style. Some people might like it, others may not. My principle is you have to be yourself and speak your mind.

Q: What do you do when you are not doing commentary?
A: I like to switch off. The cricket calendar is so crammed that it’s been very hectic for me in the last two-three years. But I guess, it’s going to be a lot more relaxed in the years to come. Rather than going the whole hog, I might want to give myself and my family a bit more time.

Q: Where does Indian cricket stand at this point, with all the allegations of match fixing, scams, poor results?
A: I think Indian cricket is on a real high, more than anything else. There is no need to panic. You just have to think with a cool head. Time is a great healer and, like I said, you have to have the vision to be able to invest in youth, get the experience right. The ‘A’ team will travel a lot and we’ll see how it shapes up in the next couple of years. You need to see the kind of people who have done well there and can fit the bill when it comes to playing for India.

Q: Do you think the captain should be changed?
A: Not at all! What’s wrong with MS Dhoni? I think he is brilliant and he has had his time. Things have not gone his way in recent times, but there is absolutely no need to panic. I still think he is the man in command and shouldn’t be tinkered with.

Q: Finally, how do you describe yourself?
A: I am the last person to describe myself, it’s up to others to describe me.