The Star Sports Network has released a new advertisement promoting the upcoming South Africa vs India series which features former Indian player & coach, Ravi Shastri. The promo titled “First Ka Thirst” refers to the fact that the Indian cricket team is yet to register a test series win on South African soil.
The advertisement shows Ravi Shastri in a never seen before avatar as he is cooking himself a meal for him in the kitchen. Later in the 45-second advertisement, the 59-year-old is seen talking about some facts. To begin with, Ravi Shastri speaks about the first-ever test match played between India and South Africa at Durban back in 1992 in which the former player was also part of the mix, playing for the Indian side.
The second fact that Shastri tells about is India winning the first-ever test match against South Africa with Rahul Dravid as the captain, who is now the head coach of the Indian side. Lastly, the former Indian coach talks about Team India not winning a test series against South Africa on African soil. The promo concludes with Ravi Shastri boosting the confidence of the Indian cricket fans as he tells the current Indian side has the capability of making history.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjog Gupta, Head – Sports, Star, and Disney India said: “The Indian Cricket team has had a remarkable run in Test Cricket, remaining dominant at home and registering wins all over the world. However, a first-ever series win in South Africa has remained elusive. #FirstKaThirst is a call to action for Indian fans, who desire to see this Indian team create history by triumphing in South Africa and is a continuing chapter of our #BelieveinBlue narrative. The series also assumes historic significance as it marks 30 years of Cricket between India and South Africa adding to the sense of occasion for this marquee series.”
Adding to it, the former Team India coach Ravi Shastri said: “There couldn’t have been a better time for team India to prove their mettle. Virat has been an impeccable leader and has got a talented team to go along with it. South Africa remains an unconquered bastion. Remember, the Proteas are no pushovers in their own backyard, but we have got the firepower and the arsenal to match that. As always, Team India will always have my backing.”
The former Indian cricketer and the head coach, has recently launched a new sports management and marketing agency, named ‘Sporting Beyond.’
India and South Africa will be playing a three-match test series starting from boxing day, December 26. Team India has already landed in South Africa on December 16 and has done some hard work in the practice nets as they aim to write history this time.