In the annals of cricket, there are moments where a seemingly innocuous incident ignites a fire within a player, leading to extraordinary performances. One such instance occurred during India's tour of South Africa in 2018, a story recently revisited and embellished by former India coach Ravi Shastri. It involves a plate of biryani, a fiery fast bowler named Mohammed Shami, and a coach who knew exactly how to push his player's buttons.
The setting was Johannesburg, the final Test match of a series already clinched by South Africa. India, determined to avoid a whitewash, had set the hosts a target of 241 runs on a challenging pitch. However, as the fourth day unfolded, South Africa appeared to be gaining the upper hand. At lunch, they needed just 100-odd runs with eight wickets in hand, a position that had the Indian camp feeling the pressure.
It was during this tense lunch break that Ravi Shastri spotted Mohammed Shami indulging in a generous helping of biryani. Seeing this, Shastri, known for his straightforward and sometimes provocative approach, couldn't resist a jibe. In his typical style, he playfully taunted Shami about his appetite, implying that the pacer was more interested in the biryani than the crucial task ahead. According to various accounts, Shastri's comment was along the lines of, "Bloody hell, will you satiate your hunger here itself, or are you planning to get some wickets?" or "Is your stomach full after eating the biryani?".
Shami, a proud and passionate cricketer, took umbrage at Shastri's remark. Fueled by a mix of anger and determination, he rejected the biryani and refocused his energy on the match. Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun, who was also present, recalled Shastri advising him to leave Shami alone in his anger, suggesting that the best way for the pacer to respond was by taking wickets.
What followed was a display of sheer pace and skill. Shami unleashed a devastating spell of fast bowling, ripping through the South African batting lineup. He claimed a five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5/28, as the Proteas collapsed from 144/3 to 177 all out. India secured a memorable 63-run victory, avoiding the series whitewash and claiming their second win at the Wanderers Stadium.
The incident became a part of cricketing folklore, highlighting the importance of man-management and understanding individual player's psyche. Shastri's seemingly insensitive comment had inadvertently lit a fire within Shami, channeling his anger into a match-winning performance.
After the match, the atmosphere in the Indian dressing room was jubilant. Arun, with a touch of humor, offered Shami the same plate of biryani he had rejected earlier. Shami, in a lighter vein, responded that they should make him angry more often, a testament to the positive outcome of Shastri's goading. The win not only salvaged pride but also showcased the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. It was a victory born from a blend of tactical acumen, individual brilliance, and a coach's knack for getting the best out of his players, even if it meant a few "Go To Hell" moments along the way.
