(Cricket News) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will confer the lifetime achievement award upon Ravi Shastri, the former India coach, ex-allrounder, and current commentator, during an awards function in Hyderabad on Tuesday. This ceremony marks the BCCI’s return to hosting awards since 2019, initially delayed due to the COVID pandemic.

Over his distinguished career, 61-year-old Shastri has played various roles on and off the cricket field. Representing India in 80 Tests and 150 ODIs from 1981 to 1992, he later transitioned to a successful commentary career after retirement. In 2014, Shastri took on the role of director for the Indian cricket team, serving until the 2016 World Cup. He returned in a coaching capacity just over a year later, forming a successful partnership with Captain Virat Kohli that played a pivotal role in transforming Indian cricket.

Under Shastri’s guidance, the Indian team reached the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup in England and secured two historic Test series victories in Australia in 2018/19 and 2020/21. Despite reaching the final of the inaugural Test championships in Lord’s, India fell short against New Zealand. Shastri’s tenure also saw India rise to the No. 1 ranking in Test cricket.

While successful in various aspects, the Shastri-Kohli combination did not secure an ICC Trophy during their partnership. Shastri, who initially started as a left-arm spinner and tailender before evolving into a successful Test opener, has had a multifaceted career, including being a leading commentator worldwide. The awards ceremony will also recognize winners from the past four years on Tuesday.

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