Ravi Shastri’s history with Dubai dates back to 1981, when he arrived for an exhibition match in a city that was little more than desert terrain and scattered infrastructure. Reflecting on four decades of growth, the former Indian cricket captain marvels at how the city has blossomed into a premier global hub under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. For Shastri, Dubai’s ascent is mirrored by the evolution of the sport he loves; just as the city refused to take shortcuts in its development, the cricket world was forever changed by the rapid rise of the IPL. Now, as a brand ambassador for a pioneering real estate tokenisation project, he remains as captivated by Dubai’s innovative spirit as he was when he first stepped onto its sandy shores.

Beyond his fascination with urban development, Shastri reflected on the immense pressures of his seven-year tenure as India’s head coach. He described the role as a unique challenge, noting that unlike playing or broadcasting, coaching involves a certain helplessness once the team steps onto the field. Despite the intense scrutiny that defines Indian cricket, he looks back on iconic triumphs, such as the 2021 Brisbane Test victory, with great pride. Today, while he spends time admiring local treasures—like the cricket memorabilia housed in Shyam Bhatia’s private museum—he remains an outspoken advocate for the game, firmly stating that elite talents like Mohammed Shami deserve their place among the all-time greats of Indian bowling.