Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun recently disclosed that Ravi Shastri regards Murali Vijay as India’s best Test opener after Sunil Gavaskar. Vijay, a veteran cricketer from Chennai, debuted in Test cricket against Australia in 2008 and has since amassed 3,982 runs in 61 Test matches at an average of 38.28.
Throughout his prime years, Murali Vijay was a cornerstone of the Indian Test team, with his last appearance coming against Australia in Perth in 2018. Shastri’s assertion, considering the array of talented openers India has produced post-Gavaskar’s era, is a significant accolade for Vijay.
Despite the impressive averages of other openers like Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, and Gautam Gambhir, Shastri’s preference for Vijay underscores the latter’s unique qualities.
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“If you want me to name a batter whom I knew from a very young age, Murali Vijay was someone whom I saw in college. I recommended him to another First-Division team. That’s when the journey started. Ravi (Shastri) often says that Murali Vijay is the best Test opener India had after Sunil Gavaskar. And that’s a huge compliment today. So I can say that my interactions with him (Vijay) have been outstanding, and he is one of my favourite players,” Bharat Arun shared with Cricket.com.
Bharat Arun also shed light on how Shastri’s guidance played a crucial role in improving Kuldeep Yadav’s performance. Shastri advised the left-arm spinner to focus on reducing belly fat and enhancing fitness, ultimately contributing to his development as a bowler.
“Ravi Shastri told Kuldeep that Boss, this puppy fat you have na has to be melted away… I can’t think of a single reason with improved fitness that you won’t become a world-class Test bowler,” Bharat Arun stated in an interview with the Indian Express.
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He further emphasized Kuldeep’s progress, noting the enhanced energy in his bowling stride, allowing him to increase pace without compromising on turn, loop, and drift.
