New Delhi: Newly-appointed Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri predicted Wednesday that the current team led by Virat Kohli can be a better Test unit than any Indian team of the past.
Shastri, who served as Team Director from 2014-2016, was re-elected head coach Tuesday. His tenure will be till the end of the 2019 World Cup while his first assignment will be upcoming tour of Sri Lanka beginning in July 26 and comprising three Tests, five ODIs and a one-off T20 game.
Exuding confidence in the Kohli-led side, the former India all-rounder said the current team have the pedigree to perform in all conditions.
“It can be a better Test team than any Indian team we have had. This is a team you can travel with. There is a battery of pacers who can do well in all conditions. Their age is such that they are playing at the right time,” Shastri was quoted as saying by a news channel from London.
Asked about the challenges of coaching the Indian team Shastri said he is up for the challenge. “I have always relished a challenge and I am looking forward to my stint with India. When you are asked to open the batting in overcast conditions, it is a challenge. I have done that in my career,” Shastri pointed out. “I am used to challenges, bring on another one,” he added.
The Indian head coach, who is currently holidaying in London with his family said he will return to Mumbai July 17 and then along with skipper Virat Kohli will chalk out strategies for the tour of Sri Lanka.
“In my career, I have never taken any team lightly. Even though, Sri Lanka are going through a transition phase, they are always a tough side at home. But as I said, the present side have the ability to succeed in all conditions,” Shastri pointed out.
Shastri also stated that he cannot just wait to get back to the Indian dressing room. “I am happy that I am once more returning to the Indian dressing room. My main aim will be to have a relaxed atmosphere where players are able to express themselves freely. At the same time players will have to realise that cricket is a team game, we have to play well as a team and not individuals to succeed,” Shastri stated.
Key points
Shastri has managed the team on two occasions earlier – on a short tour to Bangladesh in 2007 and then for 19 months when he took over in 2014 from Duncan Fletcher in England
During his second stint, India won an ODI series in England, reached the semifinals of both the 50 overs and T20 World Cups and won an away series in Sri Lanka
