'You can't blame them for going to a book launch' - Farokh Engineer defends Shastri and Kohli amid criticism

The fifth Test match between England and India got cancelled because there were COVID-19 concerns in the Indian camp. Earlier, Ravi Shastri tested positive for COVID-19 which was followed by India’s support staff testing positive for the virus. To further stop the spread of the virus, the visiting side refused to take the field in Manchester. In the same light, former cricketer Farokh Engineer opened up on several developments around the cancellation of the Test.

Engineer stated that the cancellation is disappointing as India were locked 2-1 in the series and could have easily taken it 3-1. However, the former cricketer is also puzzled with contrasting reports around players which suggested that some players wanted to take the field in Manchester while some refused it outrightly.

Ever since Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli have attended the book launch of the book ‘Stargazing’ which is written by Shastri, they have been coping with criticism. However, the former wicketkeeper suggested that they did nothing wrong as they were inside the hotel only and didn’t go anywhere else.

Fans must have asked them for a handshake or selfie, which they wouldn’t have denied and one never knows who is carrying COVID-19. Engineer also highlighted the fact that people shouldn’t forget the tremendous contribution of Kohli and Shastri to the Indian cricket team.

Shastri has done wonders for Indian cricket, reckons Farookh Engineer

“People are blaming Ravi Shastri for it. He has done wonders for Indian cricket. He has done tremendous… Ravi and Virat both. You can’t blame them for going to a book launch. They did not go outside the hotel; they were inside. It’s very easy to blame somebody, to pinpoint somebody,” said Engineer as quoted by Sports Tak.

“People keep coming to us for selfie, and all the time you can’t say no. Ravi and Virat must have done the same thing or shaking hands with people. But how would they know if someone is Covid positive?  So, you can’t really blame Ravi and Virat although I believe a lot of blame is being laid on him,” concluded Engineer.