Tendulkar ‘caught’ by Shastri’s new firm

Ravi Shastri wears many hats — pithy commentator, media management tutor to the South African cricket team, UN goodwill ambassador &#15...

Ravi Shastri wears many hats — pithy commentator, media management tutor to the South African cricket team, UN goodwill ambassador — but the latest may yet make the most news. Showdiff Worldwide, the image new management company of which he’s vice-chairman, will have as its star client Shastri’s friend Sachin Tendulkar.

Presented with rumours that Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly were being signed up by Showdiff, Shastri — in Delhi to launch the company — said there was ‘‘nothing about Sachin or Saurav at this stage’’. But Arun Nanda, chairman of Rediffusion DY&R, a partner company, told The Indian Express Tendulkar is ‘‘already part of the company. We have signed a contract with him. Saurav, however, isn’t involved.’’

Explaining his role with Showdiff, Shastri said the objective was to ‘‘identify talent from various walks of life – sports, entertainment, art, music — and bring them to the forefront’’. He would take an active part in the process and work as an advisor, along with a set of professionals from advertising, marketing and sports areas.

But surely Shastri has his hands quite full, especially with his contract as a commentator keeping him busy practically through the year? ‘‘My profile with Showdiff is not such that I have to sit in an office through the year. I can do my work even if I am not in the country. The contract with ESPN-STAR Sports is a long-term one, and it will remain as it is.’’

He goes on to explain, ‘‘The job with the South African cricketers was a one-off thing. My two main jobs will be with Showdiff and as a commentator. Nothing else will take up my time on a regular basis.’’