Indian cricketers vouch for Ravi Shastri

The contract of Indian team director Ravi Shastri has concluded following the end of the World T20. However, despite the fact that the BCCI are looking for a head coach and not a team director, certain members of the Indian squad have vouched for the 53-year old to continue his liaison with the Indian side.

Shastri took over following a disastrous 2014 tour of England and since then, has affected a wave of positivity on the Indian side. Under Shastri, the Indians reached the final of the World T20 2014 apart from series wins in Sri Lanka and Australia.

A top BCCI official said, “We consulted the players recently on who they want to be the head of the team and many senior players were all praise for the work done by Shastri and have said that they would be really happy if he continues in his role. A decision would be made soon.”

Later, he also added, “There won’t be a Team Director and a full-time coach. It will be only one post, and even Ravi’s contract can come up for renewal.”

Earlier in the month, Anurag Thakur had said that an advisory committee would look into the matter and give a suitable suggestion on the next action. The CAC comprises of former players Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar.

Anurag Thakur told the press, “Ravi Shastri’s contract has ended. We are looking at a full-time coach and the decision will be taken by the Cricket Advisory Committee.”

“It will entirely be CAC’s call. But it will be the post of a full-time coach. CAC has been asked to shortlist the names of the possible candidates for the post,” Thakur added.

Earlier this year, Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli and even Ravichandran Ashwin had credited the impact of Shastri’s presence on the side.

“He (Ravi Shastri) told me to stand outside the crease and widen my stance after the England tour, and it worked wonders for me in Australia,” Kohli told the press.

“As far as captaincy is concerned, he would like to let people learn themselves. But if need be, he will come and tell you. So when he sees something that a batsman is being bogged down in a particular area, he will tell you a solution about what can be done,” the 27-year-old added.

“I am someone who likes talking cricket and discussing cricket. Especially with him (Shastri) around, he is someone who enjoys the same pattern. When we talk and discuss a lot, new opportunities open up to try a few things. The improvement has already started,” he told the reporters.