Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has opened up about a crucial behind-the-scenes conversation he had with then-captain Virat Kohli before India’s famous win at Lord’s in 2021. Shastri revealed that he asked Kohli to set England a target of around 170 runs, believing that anything above 150 would mentally disintegrate the hosts on a wearing Day 5 pitch.
The match, which saw India snatch victory from an unlikely position on the final day, is remembered for Kohli’s aggressive leadership and the team’s collective fighting spirit. Speaking on a recent cricket podcast, Shastri detailed his pre-day strategy discussion with Kohli that culminated in his iconic dressing room speech where he told the team that the next 60 overs would feel like hell for England.
The Strategic Chat That Changed The Game
Shastri said,
“That morning I told Virat, ‘Try and get England to chase 170. Anything above 150 and they are gone mentally.’ The way the wicket was behaving, even 170 would feel like 300. Virat agreed instantly and told the boys to focus on every run.”
India were in a precarious position overnight, leading by just over 150 runs with Rishabh Pant dismissed early. However, a gritty lower-order partnership between Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah swelled the lead beyond 200, setting England a target of 272. The hosts eventually crumbled to 120 all out, handing India a famous 151-run victory at the Home of Cricket.
India’s Second Innings At Lord’s 2021
| Batter | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | 22 | 46 | 47.82 |
| Mohammed Shami | 56* | 70 | 80.00 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 34* | 64 | 53.12 |
| Extras | 23 | – | – |
| Total | 298/8 dec | – | – |
This tail-end fightback not only ensured India had a defendable total but also deflated England’s morale before their chase.
Kohli’s Iconic ‘60 Overs Will Feel Like Hell’ Speech
Before taking the field, Kohli rallied his team with a rousing dressing room speech:
“For the next 60 overs, let’s make them feel hell out there. Don’t give them an inch.”
Shastri recalled,
“Virat was fired up. He told the bowlers to make every ball count, to bowl like their lives depended on it. That intensity flowed onto the field.”
The Resulting Collapse: England’s Second Innings
| Batter | Runs | Balls Faced | Dismissed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rory Burns | 0 | 2 | Bumrah |
| Dom Sibley | 0 | 9 | Shami |
| Haseeb Hameed | 9 | 45 | Ishant |
| Joe Root | 33 | 60 | Bumrah |
| Jonny Bairstow | 2 | 24 | Siraj |
| Jos Buttler | 25 | 96 | Siraj |
| Moeen Ali | 13 | 42 | Siraj |
| Sam Curran | 0 | 2 | Siraj |
| Ollie Robinson | 9 | 35 | Bumrah |
| Mark Wood | 0 | 2 | Siraj |
| James Anderson | 2* | 5 | Not Out |
| Total | 120 | 52 overs | All out |
Mohammed Siraj finished with figures of 4/32 while Bumrah and Shami took three and one wicket respectively, showcasing India’s lethal fast-bowling depth.
Why Was The Target Of 170 So Important?
Shastri explained the psychological element:
- Scoreboard Pressure: Chasing anything above 150 on a deteriorating pitch creates scoreboard fear.
- Wearing Surface: The Lord’s pitch had variable bounce and widening cracks by Day 5.
- Indian Pace Attack: Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, and Ishant exploited the pitch expertly, targeting cracks and uneven bounce.
- Mental Disintegration: England were demoralised after India’s lower order blunted their bowlers for over an hour.
Expert Reactions To Shastri’s Revelation
Former England captain Michael Vaughan admitted on-air during the match that the target felt much bigger than it was:
“They are chasing 270 but it feels like 370 because of the intensity India is bowling with.”
Sunil Gavaskar lauded Kohli and Shastri’s strategy, saying,
“This is where Indian cricket has changed – we now think like winners. Setting England even 150 was enough to rattle them, but getting 272 was a masterstroke.”
The Importance Of That Win In The Series Context
The victory at Lord’s set the tone for the rest of the series, giving India a 1-0 lead in England for the first time since 1986. Though the final Test at Old Trafford was cancelled, India’s performance in the four Tests cemented their status as a world-class away side.
| Test | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Trent Bridge | Draw |
| 2nd | Lord’s | India won by 151 runs |
| 3rd | Headingley | England won by an innings and 76 runs |
| 4th | The Oval | India won by 157 runs |
The Kohli-Shastri Era: Focus On Aggressive Leadership
This incident epitomises the Kohli-Shastri leadership template:
- Aggressive Field Placements: Attacking slips and short-legs throughout the innings.
- Belief In Lower Order: Empowering tail-enders to bat responsibly rather than swinging blindly.
- Mental Warfare: Using words and body language to dominate opponents.
- Trust In Pacers: Backing fast bowlers to win Tests anywhere in the world.
Players Who Benefitted Most Under This Philosophy
| Player | Improvement Under Kohli-Shastri |
|---|---|
| Mohammed Shami | Emerged as reliable strike bowler overseas |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Became India’s pace spearhead in Tests |
| Mohammed Siraj | Developed aggression and consistency |
| Rishabh Pant | Encouraged to play his natural attacking game |
Fans React To Shastri’s Story
Fans flooded social media after Shastri’s revelation went viral:
- “This is what separates winners from the rest. Great foresight by Shastri.”
- “Virat’s ‘hell speech’ was legendary. Gives goosebumps even today.”
- “170 was the target but 272 made it humiliating for England.”
Legacy Of That Lord’s Win
That victory is now etched among India’s greatest overseas wins alongside:
- Adelaide 2018
- Johannesburg 2018
- Brisbane 2021
- The Oval 2021
It also reinforced Kohli’s reputation as one of India’s most aggressive and successful Test captains, winning series in Australia and competing fiercely in England and South Africa.
Conclusion
Ravi Shastri’s revelation about asking Virat Kohli to set England a target of 170 highlights the tactical planning and psychological warfare that drove India’s golden phase in Test cricket. That iconic ‘60 overs will feel like hell’ speech not only charged up the team but also left a lasting imprint on the fans’ memory, reflecting how leadership, belief, and aggression can turn matches even in the toughest overseas conditions.
Disclaimer
This article is based on interviews, official match records, and player statements for news dissemination and analytical purposes. Readers are advised to follow official cricket boards for live updates and verified strategic comments from players and coaches.
