"India is Big Daddy of World Cricket": Ravi Shastri makes stunning remark ahead of IND vs AUS series

Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri humorously called India the “Big Daddy of World Cricket” during the latest episode of the Willow Talk Podcast in Sydney. Shastri also stated that Indian cricketers should participate in foreign leagues to gain exposure to different conditions and play alongside international stars.

The cricketer-turned-commentator's comments came ahead of the white-ball series between India and Australia. According to the schedule, the tour will commence with the first ODI match in Perth on Sunday, October 19. The Shubman Gill-led team will play two more ODIs before the five-match T20I series.

India Is the BIG Daddy of World Cricket - Ravi Shastri

On the latest Willow Talk Podcast in Sydney, the host described India as “the daddy of world cricket.” Ravi Shastri humorously corrected him, declaring, “India is the BIG daddy of world cricket,” prompting laughter from the hosts.

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The BCCI does not allow active Indian cricketers to compete in foreign T20 leagues. According to the rules, only players who have retired from both domestic and international cricket can join overseas tournaments, provided they receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the board.

Ravichandran Ashwin has signed a Big Bash League (BBL) contract and will represent the Sydney Thunder in the upcoming season.

Not Everyone Gets an Opportunity to Play - Ravi Shastri

In the same podcast, Ravi Shastri said that active Indian cricketers should participate in overseas franchise leagues. He stated that playing in foreign conditions and sharing dressing rooms with international stars would provide invaluable experience, helping players develop skills.

Shastri stated that India have a vast talent pool, which means not every player can make the Test side, but they should still be given opportunities through lower-tier contracts to gain exposure. He noted that the IPL has helped young Indian players grow by competing alongside world-class talent.

"India is a massive country, not everyone gets an opportunity to play, not everyone can make it. So why stop a guy if he can't make it to the Test side, get a level C or level D contract?" Shastri said on the Willow Talk podcast.

"That exposure will help him when he comes back like the IPL has helped so many young players as they rub shoulders with top class players," he added.

There's No Better Education Than Going Overseas - Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri emphasized that Indian players gain invaluable experience by playing alongside international cricketers and learning from legendary figures who may be part of coaching teams.

"They learn to handle pressure. Additionally, they get to rub shoulders with big international stars like Ponting and Fleming and international players," Shastri stated.

"It's an education - and for me, there's no better education than going overseas. That exposure is terrific, not just in cricketing terms but in understanding different cultures and methods. You learn so many things - a West Indian training method will be different from an Australian one," he added.

Also read: Vaibhav Suryavanshi dragged into age-fraud controversy by India, Australia legends