Ravi Shastri has revealed the moment he knew Virat Kohli would "unleash hell" on England during the Lord's Test in 2021. The former India coach recounted the events leading up to India's dramatic victory, highlighting Kohli's aggressive mindset and leadership.
Shastri spoke about the pivotal morning of Day 5. India, after conceding a 27-run lead in the first innings, were in a precarious position at 181 for 6 on Day 4. With Rishabh Pant's early dismissal on Day 5, the situation worsened to 194 for 7, with a lead of only 167. Despite the unfavorable circumstances and being written off by the British press, Shastri maintained belief in the team's chances. He recalled a conversation with Kohli where they agreed that a target of 170 for England would be enough to secure a win, given India's strong bowling attack. "We had a chat in the morning (of Day 5) and all we said 'try and get England to chase 170, and we're winning this.' We knew if give them 170-180 (to chase) we could win this game with the attack we had".
The turning point, according to Shastri, was the unexpected partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Their 89-run stand not only extended India's lead but also injected renewed energy and belief into the dressing room. Shastri vividly remembers reading the newspapers on the bus to the ground that morning, which had England as clear favorites. "Every newspaper had England as favorites. I used to pick up the papers in the morning and on the bus, I read all of this," he said. However, the tailenders' resilience changed the atmosphere. "We reach the ground and the last-wicket partnership adds another 100. That lifted the dressing room," Shastri added.
Shastri described the emotional welcome Bumrah and Shami received upon returning to the dressing room. "It was COVID time, so the long room (at Lord's) was empty. When Bumrah and Shami came back, we made a corridor for them and welcomed them back". It was in that moment that Shastri sensed Kohli's determination to seize the victory.
That's when he said: Unleash hell,” Shastri added. Kohli's pre-match address to the team before Day 5 was about making the 60 overs feel like hell for England batsmen. Kohli's words were, “Get England to chase 170, we're winning this... Sixty overs should feel like hell out there".
Kohli's aggressive captaincy and relentless energy were instrumental in India's win. Shastri characterized Kohli as a "beast" on the field, someone who would "look you in the eye and play hard cricket". This aggressive approach, combined with the bowlers' relentless performance, led to England being bowled out for just 120, securing a memorable 151-run victory for India.
Shastri has previously noted that Kohli's retirement from Test cricket could have been managed better. Kohli, who debuted in Tests in 2011, retired having played 123 matches, scored 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 half centuries. He also holds the record for the most Test wins as an Indian captain, with 40 victories in 68 matches.
