Shastri’s position grows stronger
North Sound (Antigua): Skipper of the Indian cricket team Virat Kohli clarified Thursday here that he will air his views on the new coach if only asked by the BCCI. He also emphasised, that his opinion will be that of the entire team and not his alone.
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When asked about his opinion on the appointment of the new coach, the skipper replied: “From a personal point of view, I can’t pinpoint anything or give any details. We as a team only voice our opinion when asked by the BCCI,” Kolhi said.
“This is a process we always go through and something we respect as a team. It’s something that is asked to the team and not in seggregation. The same procedure, as and when it takes place, we will give our suggestions to the BCCI,” Kohli added.
When the same question was repeated in a different manner, Kohli was very curt. “Suggestions are given to the BCCI. There is no point in saying anything out in the open because that is for us as a team to convey to the BCCI as when we are asked, not to anyone else,” he asserted.
However, Kohli airing his views have given rise to speculation once more about his close proximity to Ravi Shastri. Time and again Kohli has indicated his preference for the former Team Director. Many are of the opinion, that Shastri wouldn’t have applied had he not received some form of guarantee from Kohli. The two were in contact during the recently-concluded Champions Trophy in England and it was only after his return from there that Shastri decided to throw his hat into the ring. BCCI sources indicated that he wouldn’t have done so had he not been sure about his selection.
Shastri had a 19-month tenure with Team India as director. It was a tumultuous period since he had two manage two captains in the dressing room – Kohli as Test captain and MS Dhoni leading the side in the shorter formats of the game. In spite of that he had been able to maintain unity inside the change room. This factor also may pave the way for Shastri when the cricket advisory committee (CAC) sits down after July 9 to select the coach.
