Ravi Shastri responds to criticism after Covid outbreak linked to book launch

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Ravi Shastri defended the launch event organized for his book. (AFP photo)

Ravi Shastri has faced criticism after testing positive for coronavirus following the event held to launch his book in London. Last updated: September 12, 2021, 12:56 p.m.

Ravi Shastri swept aside the criticism of him for an event held for the launch of his book Star Gazing: The Players in My Lifein London which followed several of the Indian cricket team’s support staff who tested positive for the coronavirus . It ultimately resulted in the cancellation of the fifth and final test of the five-game series between India and England.

Shastri himself was the first to test positive for the virus while Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun, field coach RSridhar and physiotherapist Dr Nitin Patel had to self-isolate for being his close contacts at from the fourth day of the fourth test played at The Oval.

The whole country [United Kingdom] is open. Anything could have happened from Test One, Shastri told Mid-day in an interview.

India led the series 2-1 with Manchester’s Old Trafford set to host the final. However, hours before the draw, separate media statements from the BCCI and the ECB said the competition was canceled due to a covid outbreak in the Indian camp.

Shastri, 59, is not worried about the controversy and instead chose to highlight the performances of the Indian cricket team in England.

It was the best summer of cricket England has seen in a long time, certainly from an Indian cricket team. It’s Covid time, a great summer though. The boys were fantastic on both sides of the Thames, Shastri said.

He praised India for producing a memorable performance in the restrictive covid environment.

No team played in the Covid era like this Indian team did in Australia and England. Just ask the experts here. Nothing has given me more job satisfaction in the game and I’ve been around for a bit as you know, Shastri said.

Meanwhile, Indian cricketers have started to leave the UK for the UAE where they will compete in the second leg of the 2021 IPL.

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