- Ravi Shastri is known for his theatrical commentary
- The Indian legend angered Pat Cummins at the toss
Channel Seven cricket commentator Ravi Shastri has left footster and media personality Ryan Fitzgerald stunned with his introduction to the toss at the Boxing Day Test – and Australian skipper Pat Cummins was also a big fan.
The Indian cricket legend is known for his theatrical flourishes during broadcasts and he did not disappoint when he introduced Cummins, his counterpart Rohit Sharma and match official Andy Pycroft at the MCG on Thursday morning.
“We’re at the iconic, massive Melbourne Cricket Ground… and also the home of the king, the late Shane Warne,” Shastri boomed.
“The gloves are off when we come up to throw the time. It’s Boxing Day, the two captains in their respective corners, ready to continue boxing. Rohit Sharma, Pat Cummins, the match referee, keeping his eyes on the proceedings.”
That last comment had Cummins and Sharma laughing just before the Australian won the toss and batted his side on a day when temperatures were expected to reach 40 degrees.
Fitzgerald went to X to express his surprise at what he had just seen.
Ravi Shastri (left) had Australian skipper Pat Cummins (second from right) and his Indian counterpart Rohit Sharma in trouble with his dramatic toss introduction at the MCG
Shastri (pictured) is known and loved for his theatrical antics on cricket broadcasts
‘Is Ravi Shastri a commentator or a hard-nosed real estate agent trying to sell a 2-bedroom fibro house in Dandenong? Even Pat Cummins is laughing at himself,” he wrote.
This is not the first time that Shastri’s toss theater has wowed cricket fans.
He made a similarly dramatic introduction just before play started in the first Test against India in Perth on November 22.
The 62-year-old former Indian skipper turned up the volume so high he almost didn’t need a microphone as he launched into his speech to what seemed a very disappointing crowd at Optus Stadium.
“We are in Western Australia, it is the beautiful Perth Stadium and the venue for the first Test match in the Border Gavaskar Trophy,” he began.
“Speaking of Border, Gavaskar – two champions in the middle, Allan Border, Sunny Gavaskar himself – only fitting,” he boomed, pointing to the men the series is named after.
Footy star turned media personality Ryan Fitzgerald (pictured) was blown away by Shastri’s efforts just before play on the first day of the Boxing Day Test
‘We’re ready for the toss – Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah, Ranjan Madugalle the match referee, tried and tested!’ he continued, saving his best efforts for the least known of those gathered beside the wicket.
Shastri then took it down a few notches when he interviewed the captains after India won the toss and decided to bat.
The electric opening of the cricket summer was popular with viewers.
“I want Ravi Shastri to announce all my important life events,” someone wrote on X.
“Someone is taking the toss energy of Ravi Shastri and injecting it into my veins,” another added.
“I think it’s not just the broadcasters, but pretty much anyone who watched it would have been left feeling divided. Typical Ravi Shastri fun,” said another.
Others picked up on his over-the-top energy, writing, “Ravi Shastri is MCing like he’s had six coffees and four Red Bulls,” “Ravi Shastri is crazy,” and “India must be here because Ravi Shastri is yelling at me . again’.