{
  "id": 1654128,
  "title": "Ajinkya Rahane Leaves Fans In Splits With Hilarious Ravi Shastri Mimicry During Broadcast Of IND vs SL 1st Test | Video",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/ajinkya-rahane-leaves-fans-in-splits-with-hilarious-ravi-shastri",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T06:35:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/ajinkya-rahane-leaves-fans-in-splits-with-hilarious-ravi-shastri-mimicry-during-broadcast-of-ind-vs-sl-1st-test-video"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former India cricketer Ajinkya Rahane brought laughter to the India vs Sri Lanka first Test in Galle as he hilariously imitated former head coach Ravi Shastri during the live broadcast. Rahane, who has recently shifted to commentary after a stellar playing career, was part of the broadcasting team for Sony Sports Network during India's tour of Sri Lanka. This was his first Test commentary for the network. The audience was delighted by Rahane's imitation of Shastri's distinctive voice, energetic style, and characteristic expressions. Shastri, known for his energetic delivery, has been a regular presence in Indian cricket commentary and was also an important figure in the team's dressing room during his coaching tenure. This comedic act was particularly endearing, given Rahane's close association with Shastri during his playing days, especially during India's successful 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. Rahane has previously praised the impact of Shastri and Virat Kohli in shaping India's Test cricket strategy. Now anchoring the commentary, fans are getting a glimpse of a different facet of Rahane, who is already adding a touch of entertainment to the India-Sri Lanka series. His commentary debut not only offers insights from his Test cricket and captaincy experiences but also brings amusement with playful imitations, offering viewers more enjoyment beyond the on-field action.",
  "summary": "Former India cricketer Ajinkya Rahane added a dose of humour to the ongoing India vs Sri Lanka first Test in Galle when he hilariously mimicked former India head coach Ravi Shastri during the broadcast. Rahane, who has transitioned into commentary after an illustrious playing career, showcased his lighter side while sharing the broadcasting duties during the Test series. He is making his Test…",
  "key_points": [
    "Ajinkya Rahane imitated Ravi Shastri during India vs SL Test broadcast.",
    "Fans found Rahane's Shastri mimicry hilarious and endearing.",
    "Rahane's commentary debut adds entertainment to India-Sri Lanka series."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Ajinkya Rahane's mimicry of Ravi Shastri during the live broadcast adds an entertaining dimension to his commentary debut, showcasing a lighter side of the former cricketer to fans.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}