The Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri reckons that winning an ICC trophy has now become an “obsession” for India and the upcoming six ODIs against New Zealand and South Africa could be used as a platform for his team’s preparations for the T20 World Cup in Australia this October.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Shastri expressed his view on a plethora of issues including the legacy he wants to create, preparations for the marquee event, team culture and unfortunate injuries to his players. He said, “That toss will be taken out of the equation, we will play well irrespective of conditions, of opponents and in every country of the world. Yes, the World Cup remains an obsession and we will do all to fulfill that ambition.”
ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya Failed The Bowling Workload Test
India will play five T20Is, 3 ODIs, and two Tests starting with the shortest format on January 24. The ODI series against South Africa is to be held in March. The head coach feels that the hallmark of this team is enjoying each others’ success because it’s the team that wins. He also gave the possibility that the men in blue will play the ODIs this year as an extension of T20s
The 2-1 series win against a full-strength Australian team was a reflection of the Indian team’s “mental strength”, which came back strongly after being outplayed in the opening game.
Talking about the series win, Shastri said, “The Australia series was proof of the mental strength and the ability to play under pressure. After the hammering at the Wankhede, to come back and play like the way we did, merits a lot of credit and praise. It showed courage and as Virat used the word brave, it showed we are unafraid to play brave cricket and with intent.”
ALSO READ: Abdul Razzaq Terms Virat Kohli Lucky For His Consistency
The Indian skipper Virat Kohli has already said that KL Rahul can be a goof wicket-keeping option and Shastri seconded the view, saying he is happy that the team has got a multipurpose player of Rahul’s quality. However, he felt disappointed Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the New Zealand assignment due to shoulder dislocation.
Shastri also didn’t mince his words to speak about Kedar Jadhav, who was rumored to have outlived his utility as an ODI player. He said, “Kedar is an integral part of the ODI team that will play in New Zealand. He will be treated like every other player.”
The Indian head coach also addressed the issue of the wrist-spin duo Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal not playing together in the playing XI in white-ball games. He said the duo be to play together when the team’s balance allows it so. He concluded by talking about the kind of surfaces New Zealand will dish out.
Shastri said, “We, as a team, don’t think about all that. We address something when we see it. We see facts, we address. We don’t go into the history or the past.”
