The head coach of India, Ravi Shastri is not known to go back on a fight and recently in an interview, he has clarified that he wouldn’t change his ways if he feels that the criticism directed at the Indian team is “agenda-driven”. He also expressed that he is not willing to entertain anything apart from constructive criticism whether it comes from a legend or normal person.
Recently, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar had questioned the team combination and training methods after India’s defeat in the Perth Test, which according to Shastri, was akin to “firing blanks” sitting millions of miles away. Speaking to ‘The Daily Telegraph’, Shastri also complimented Virat Kohli, describing the captain as someone who comes “closest to Vivian Richards” in the manner he bats.
Talking to Michael Vaughan, Shastri said, “You expect it. I am one of those that if it is constructive, then fine. If I find it is agenda-driven, I don’t care who the individual is, then I will throw a punch back straightaway. I mean it. I don’t care if he is a legend or a normal person. If I feel I have to punch back I will.”
ALSO READ: Laxman Clarifies Shastri’s Appointment Wasn’t Virat Kohli’s Call
When asked to compare Kohli with the legendary Indian cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar, Shastri said the Mumbai maestro was “more composed” and in a zone while Kohli is more “in your face”.
The Indian head coach, further explained, “Let’s start with work ethic. It is doing the hard yards, looking ugly in the nets and sacrificing important things for your cricket. It is staying in the zone. No pointing fingers at others. If you make a mistake, then own up. Virat can be in your face. He is the closest a player has come to Vivian Richards in the way he bats. That ‘in your face’ approach with fast bowlers and any opponent. He is also prepared to do hard work and be ugly. That is part of his batting he learned in England.”
Shastri also said that best aspect of Kohli’s personality is his mindset which is pretty similar to his own. Also, the fact that the Indian skipper is very caring of his teammates also makes him the “role model” that he is.
