Ravi Shastri Calls 'Happy Hour' Instead of Strategic Timeout: Team India Now Demands Bar Service Mid-Pitch! 🍻🏏

MUMBAI: In a cricketing blunder that left fans bewildered and players reaching for their non-alcoholic energy drinks, Head Coach Ravi Shastri reportedly announced a "Happy Hour" instead of a crucial strategic timeout during a nail-biting T20 encounter last night. The incident, which occurred with the match finely poised, has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and has prompted an urgent, late-night meeting by the BCCI.

"Boys, hydration is key! Time for a quick 'Happy Hour' – two-for-one on… uh… strategic refreshments!" Shastri was allegedly heard booming over the team radio.

The umpire, visibly confused, initially signalled for a T-break, only to be corrected by a visibly flustered fourth official. On the field, players looked at each other with a mixture of disbelief and genuine interest. Sources close to the dressing room claim that Hardik Pandya was seen checking his watch, while Virat Kohli reportedly began asking for the "drinks menu" from the boundary line. Social media exploded, with #ShastriHappyHour trending faster than a Rishabh Pant six. Unnamed beverage sponsors have reportedly already offered Shastri a ₹5 Crore endorsement deal, mistaking his gaffe for a brilliant guerilla marketing tactic.

"Sir, hum match khel rahe hain ya pub mein baithe hain? Yeh toh naya tactic hai!" a senior player was overheard quipping.

The BCCI has since issued a stern warning to Shastri, reminding him of the difference between "strategic timeouts" and "bar specials." While no formal action has been announced yet, whispers suggest a hefty fine of ₹10 Lakhs is on the cards, which some commentators noted could easily be covered by the aforementioned beverage deal. Shastri, ever the pragmatist, later clarified that he meant a "happy hour of strategic discussion," insisting it was a simple misunderstanding. Cricket fans, however, are now eagerly waiting for the next match, just in case they get a mid-innings 'Power Play Party'.