A temporary position that could last

At 44 years, today, Shastri is a thriving television commentator and cricket analyst.

Interestingly, ESPN-STAR Sports, with whom Shastri is contracted, will have to now release him from active commentating duty. That Shastri has sought time to give his reply is probably for this.

As he was, during his playing days, the former right-hand-batsman and left-arm-spinner has a sharp cricketing mind. He rose through the ranks, not merely on the basis of his cricketing talent, but with the determination of an ordinary individual who had vowed to earn himself a place in Indian cricket.

Shastri has been offered this temporary position by the Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI, because the Board believes there won8217;t be time left to sit and think about the hiring of a new coach. 8220;His position will be re-evaluated after the team returns from Bangladesh and will be discussed at length. If it works, Shastri can continue and the emoluments can then be worked out,8221; a senior board official informed.