While players have been at the forefront of Kabir Khan's 83 promotions, this is the first appearance of a coach in the film's poster. The only difference is that it is a present coach, and former player, Ravi Shastri. Played by Dhairya Karwa, Shastri was the youngest player in the squad that went on to win India's first World Cup in the 1983 tournament.
The youngest player in the team. Presenting the flamboyant devil, #RaviShastri! #ThisIs83@RanveerOfficial @Dhairyakarwa @kabirkhankk @deepikapadukone @Shibasishsarkar @madmantena #SajidNadiadwala @vishinduri @ipritamofficial @RelianceEnt @NGEMovies @vibri_media pic.twitter.com/jgJdI85z5x
— Phantom Films (@FuhSePhantom) January 22, 2020
The youngest player to play for (then) Bombay in the esteemed Ranji trophy, Shastri made his test debut in the 1980-81 series against New Zealand. It was his performances there with the ball and the bat that got him selected as a stand-in to the World Cup tournament in 1983.
While he never played most of the major tournaments at the World Cup, Shastri was part of the opening game against 1975 world cup champions West Indies. Shastri ended the match taking 3 wickets. It was a pivotal upset, since West Indies were two-time world champions, while India was the underdog.
Currently coach of the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri went on to become one of the mainstays of the Indian set-up through the 1980 and 1990s.
The role will be played by Dhairya Karwa, who was last seen in Uri:The Surgical Strike (2019), alongside Vicky Kaushal.
The film, directed by Kabir Khan, will also feature Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev, with Deepika Padukone in a special appearance as Romi Dev.
83 is set to release in theatres on 10 April 2020.