Ravichandran Ashwin shares heartwarming recollection of how Shastri helped team

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared a heartwarming recollection of a karaoke night organized by former head coach Ravi Shastri after India's crushing defeat in the 2020 Adelaide Test. India, playing the first pink-ball Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, were bowled out for a record-low 36, marking their lowest total in Test cricket. Despite the optimism of the series after their previous success in Australia, the team faced a harrowing loss in the series opener despite having a first-innings lead.

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Speaking to Vimal Kumar in a YouTube interview, Ashwin praised Shastri for playing a key role in lifting the spirits of the team during this difficult period. "The mood in the dressing room was a bit down," Ashwin admitted. However, Shastri arranged a team dinner and karaoke session, taking the lead by singing old Hindi songs. "He started singing, and everyone joined in," Ashwin recalled, highlighting how the impromptu event helped the team relax in the bio-bubble setting.

Despite the setback, the Indian team went on to script one of the most remarkable comebacks in Test history, winning the series 2-1, with notable contributions from Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, and others. The karaoke night exemplified Shastri's leadership style, focusing on keeping the team's morale high even in challenging times.