Former India head coach Ravi Shastri found himself at the centre of a memorable crossover between cricket and football during the Birmingham Phoenix vs Welsh Fire clash in The Hundred Men’s 2026. The legendary commentator shared a special moment with Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham at Edgbaston, with the interaction quickly going viral across social media.
Bellingham, who is a minority owner of Birmingham Phoenix, was present at the venue for the men’s fixture after also attending the women’s match earlier in the day. His appearance delighted fans, while Shastri’s trademark commentary style made the occasion even more special.
Ravi Shastri’s memorable interaction with Jude Bellingham steals the spotlight
Ahead of the toss, Shastri welcomed the football superstar in his iconic style, introducing him to the packed Edgbaston crowd with his trademark energy. The two shared a warm handshake before the toss, with the clip quickly making the rounds on social media.
“And he’s a hometown boy. He’s a… Birmingham superstar, Galactico. Fresh from a magnificent World Cup. Co-owner of the Birmingham Phoenix. And it’s none other than Jude Bellingham. Now, Jude’s gonna hand over the coin.”
Later, Shastri also posted pictures with Bellingham and praised the England midfielder.
“Great to have Birmingham’s own Galactico, in the house for the toss at The Hundred. What a player. What a World Cup. Class written all over him. Good luck for the season ahead!” Shastri wrote on X.
The light-hearted exchange continued after Bellingham signed a cap for the former India coach. Speaking to Sky Sports, Shastri revealed the autograph was meant for his daughter.
“The autograph is for my daughter. She wouldn’t have allowed me home if I had not taken it.”
Here’s the video:
Jude Bellingham provided the assist for the toss today at Edgbaston 👀#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/bonz5hfypZ
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 1, 2026
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Welsh Fire edge Birmingham Phoenix in a close contest
While Bellingham’s appearance grabbed plenty of attention off the field, Welsh Fire walked away with the points in the men’s fixture. After being asked to bat first, Birmingham Phoenix managed 137/9, with Joe Clarke top-scoring with 35 runs from 23 deliveries. Marco Jansen and Lockie Ferguson claimed two wickets each to keep the Phoenix batting lineup under pressure.
In reply, Welsh Fire completed the chase with four balls to spare. Phil Salt contributed a brisk 46, while the newly appointed England Test captain Joe Root anchored the innings with an unbeaten 58 to guide his side to victory at Edgbaston.
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