Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri heaped praise on Travis Head for his outstanding performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Head, who was dismissed for just 11 runs in his first innings of the series, made a remarkable comeback with scores of 89, 140, and 152 in his next three innings.
Speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the most recent episode of The ICC Review, Shastri jokingly coined a new nickname for the star performer in recognition of his stellar display.
“Because his new surname is Travis ‘Headache,’” Shastri quipped.
“They are looking for balms in India. For foot problems, ankle problems, and even a headache, they are looking for a balm. He is ideal for that,” he added.
The 62-year-old went on to explain the key reasons behind Head’s success, emphasizing his impressive ability to tackle short-pitched deliveries.
“I think he is very smart. From what I saw of him three years ago, he has improved immensely. Especially with the way he plays the short ball. He prepared to leave it. He has learned to leave it well at times,” he noted.
“It's not a big shot all the time off a short delivery angled at his armpits or something. He's prepared to either ride it or go for the big shots. And if it is middle, middle and off, then he hits it in front of square as well,” he added.
“He picks up length very well. That's one of his great strengths. And he has a flashing blade for the offside. So he's a hard man to contain. And he's in the form of his life.”
Reflecting on India’s pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s dangerous deliveries, he recalled Head’s ability to dominate, including smashing 83 runs off 91 balls, despite being dismissed twice.
“We all knew he was dangerous, but that first shot he played off Jasprit Bumrah, that cover drive, off the front foot,” Shastri recalled.
“It was in many ways a little bit on the up, off a good delivery, decent delivery. It told me that this is a player in prime, prime form.”
Shastri added that the batter’s clear mindset played a significant role in his batting success.
“He’s very clear about his approach. There’s no clouded thinking. He knows his strengths and plays to them. Even when adjusting to the situation, he remains aggressive. He may shift from fourth gear to third, but once he gets his eye in, he’s always in third or fourth gear,” he concluded.
- Travis Head
- Ravi Shastri