Coaching is tougher than playing or commentary, says Ravi Shastri
The former India head coach described the role as having immense responsibility and pressure with little control once players are on the field.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri said that coaching is a more difficult role than playing cricket or working as a commentator. Speaking to Ian Smith of Sky Sport, Shastri noted that the job involves significant pressure and responsibility.
Shastri explained that a coach has very little control over match outcomes once players enter the field. He compared this to playing, where one has the bat or ball, or broadcasting, where one has a microphone.
The former coach said that the expectations of the country mean there is no way to hide from the need to win games. He described the pressure of the job by saying, "You always have the gun to your head."
He added that while the pressure is high, being successful is very rewarding and provides a level of respect and job satisfaction that nothing else offers.
Shastri served as India's head coach from July 2017 to November 2021. During this period, the team won two Test series in Australia, including the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and a 2-1 win in 2020-21.
Under his leadership, India held the number one position in the ICC Test rankings for 42 months. The team also reached the 2021 World Test Championship final and the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup, according to the Times of India.