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Xtra Time Web Desk : Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday opened up in an explosive manner to British newspaper, 'The Guardian' about his time at the helm of the Indian Cricket Team, in typical carefree 'Ravi Shastri' style.

Shastri was at helm of India’s coaching staff between 2014 to 2021, save one year in the middle when Anil Kumble was given the charge.

“I didn’t have coaching badges [either]. Level one? Level two? **** that. And in a country like India, there is always jealousy or a gang of people willing you to fail. I had a thick skin, thicker than the leather of the Dukes ball you use. A real solid hide.

“And you need a bloody hide over here. Rob will develop this as he does the job, because every day you are judged. And I am glad he has a lot of captaincy experience from his time at Kent, because communication with the players is absolutely paramount,” Shastri was quoted as saying by the British newspaper.

Outlining the philosophy and team culture is important, according to Shastri and that’s what he had drilled in when India beat Australia in two back-to-back away series.

“…it was also outlining how we want to play: to be aggressive and ruthless, to up the fitness levels, to get a group of fast bowlers to take 20 wickets overseas. And it was about attitude, especially when playing the Aussies. I told the boys if one single expletive comes your way, give them three back: two in our language and one in theirs.”