Kolkata: Indian Cricket team’s Director Ravi Shastri said that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the best ever Indian captain.
Under Dhoni’s guidance India emerged champions in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and in the 50 overs World Cup in 2011.
“I’ve said that he’s the best long back. What else he’s left to be achieved… Even you must be tired of watching him winning but still there will be two-three who will want him to retire. This thing is normal in our country. You go after your champions and tell them to go, it’s enough.”
Indian bowling has been superb in the Asia Cup specially Jasprit bumrah has been magnificent, Ravi Shastri gave credit to bowling coach Bharat Arun for the recent success.
“Bharat Arun has played a massive role. The bowling look jittery because we had some injuries. In the South African series, we lost Ashwin first game after he bowled three overs with the kind of form he was in. We have not had Shami since the World Cup. We had to look for some new players for a big bench strength. I’m glad that Ashish, Jasprit and Pandya have grabbed the opportunity with both hands. You must give credit to Bharat… He’s worked with them for a long period of time, for results you got to be patient and he’s worked with the team. It’s good that they’re bowling well at the moment.”
On being asked about Rohit Sharma’s turnaround Shastri said that its all about mind over matter.
“It’s just the case of mind over matter. It’s about creating the self-belief that he can take on any opposition in the world. When he’s in full flow, he looks great. He’s explosive, he’s got got time in his hands, and it’s all cricketing shots that he plays.”
Mohammad Amir bowled beautifully against India. Asked if he will create a problem Shastri answered,”That match happened Tuesday, next match will be after one month. We all know he bowled beautifully but everyday is a new day. You have to think what’s ahead.”
Shastri said that Mohammed Shami will be available for the warm up matches. “Obviously he will have to play. He’s in the 15 member squad. He will play.”
Shastri added that there bench strength is too good with the likes of Ajinkya Rahane sitting in the dugout.
”It’s a good problem to have. A player of his ability (to sit out)… The good thing is the people who our bench strength. We have the likes of Harbhajan, Rahane, players like them can get into any team in the world. It’s a good headache. He’s one player who can play well in all the formats.”
Shastri also addd that Indian team has the right mix of Youth and experience.
“Any side good needs the balance between youth and experience. If you look in history, the No 1 Test in world would always have experience and youth. The youngsters bring energy to the table and keep the seniors on their toes, they want to emulate the juniors. They think just because you’re young you’re faster and they work harder to get better.”
“We are not a team of individuals. We are the Indian cricket team. Virat is in outstanding form, and so is Rohit… MS has done well lower down the order. Yuvraj has struck form. Shikhar has had his moments. To To win a big tournament you need seven-eight individuals performing consistently.”
Shastri also spoke about Virat Kohli’s form.
“Every time he bats you can all see it’s passion written all over. You can see his body language, he just loves the big stage. He wants to compete against the best in the world.”
“As we saw against Pakistan, after Amir’s spell for him to bat in that fashion it was a world class innings. He’s a kind of player who’s hungry. He wants to score big once he gets going.”
Shastri also admitted that having Pandya in the team is a added advantage.
“He is useful in all three department… He’s a very good fielder. He’s sharp when he bowls, he’s a tremendous striker of the ball. You need players like this in this format of the game. That always a big plus.”
on being asked about India’s chances in the World T20 The ex-Indian cricketer replied,”Every game is important from here. We have got into a good habit of winning games… You might get the odd hiccup on the way. But it’s important to maintain a level of consistency and treat every game as an important game. “
“The Asia Cup was a very good preparation. The condition was not easy initially but it got better. The ball was swinging and seaming initially.”
The match between India and Pakistan has been shifted to Eden Gardens for security reasons. Shastri said that INDO-PAK tie will always draw a huge crowd.
“You’re playing in home conditions. We have not heard of anything so far. Wherever we play, India-Pakistan will draw a huge crowd. We will be playing at home so majority will be cheering India.”
Courtesy – PTI