Sports
‘I’d Choose Ravi Bhai’: Mohammed Shami Reveals His Favourite India Coach, Opens Up on 2023 World Cup Heartbreak
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami credits Ravi Shastri for giving players freedom and aggression, while admitting the 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat remains his biggest cricketing regret.
Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has named former India head coach Ravi Shastri as his favourite mentor, praising the ex-coach’s ability to inspire confidence and encourage an aggressive mindset among players.
Shami, who has been out of the national setup despite consistent performances in domestic cricket, reflected on his coaching experiences and the unforgettable memories of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup during a recent interview.
‘I’d Choose Ravi Bhai’
Asked to pick his favourite coach from those he has worked with, Shami admitted it was a difficult choice, having spent considerable time under Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Ravi Shastri, while also briefly working with Gautam Gambhir.
However, the experienced pacer ultimately chose Shastri.“It’s a bit difficult to compare… I’ve spent a good amount of time with Rahul bhai and Anil bhai. But if I have to choose one, I would choose Ravi bhai.”
Explaining his decision, Shami said Shastri’s coaching style gave players the confidence to express themselves freely on the field.“Because of that freedom… that aggression you see in a player when they go out to fight and play a match, you can see that from the outside.”
2023 World Cup Still Haunts Him
Although Shami produced one of the greatest bowling campaigns in World Cup history, the experienced pacer admitted that the final defeat against Australia continues to trouble him.
Shami was the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in just seven matches, despite missing the opening fixtures.
However, India’s loss in the final overshadowed his remarkable individual achievement.“There is only one regret in my mind—that we should have won the final. These records don’t matter to me.”
The veteran seamer said the disappointment remains etched in his memory, adding that he occasionally thinks about the matches he missed during ICC tournaments due to injuries or team selection.
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma Sends Strong Fitness Warning Ahead of England ODIs… India Captain Begins Batting Grind After Family Break
‘I Could Have Been Right at the Top’
Reflecting on his international career, Shami admitted he sometimes wonders how many more records he might have achieved had he featured in every ICC tournament match.“Sometimes I feel… if I had played those matches, I would be sitting right at the very top.”
The experienced pacer said those thoughts arise whenever he comes across statistics or highlights from previous World Cups.
Uncertain India Future
Shami’s international future remains uncertain.
The 35-year-old last represented India in an ODI in March 2025, while his previous Test appearance came in 2023.
Despite continuing to perform in domestic cricket, the veteran fast bowler has struggled to break back into the national side as India transitions towards a younger pace attack ahead of future ICC events.
Nevertheless, Shami remains one of India’s finest fast bowlers, with an illustrious international career that includes match-winning performances across all formats.
His reflections on Ravi Shastri’s influence and the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup final offer a glimpse into the mindset of a player who continues to cherish team success above individual milestones.
