XtraTime Web Desk – The coach of Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri was full of praise for team India in the post match conference. He called this to be one the greatest comebacks in the world cricket saying, “This will go down in the annals of Indian and world cricket as one of the greatest comebacks. From being 36 all out to coming back in three days, the boys showed great composure”.
After Virat Kohli left for India and Mohammed Shami ruled out of the the series, no one gave India a chance to make a comeback but Ajinkya Rahane led from front and showed everyone that cricket is not a one man game! Speaking about him, Ravi Shastri said, “Ajinkya Rahane is a shrewd leader, has a good understanding of the game. He was a calming influence for the debutants and the bowlers”.
He further added, “Both Kohli and Rahane are good readers of the game. Kohli is passionate and in your face. Ajinkya is prepared to sit back in a calm and composed manner. Deep inside, he knows what he wants”.
After getting all-out for just 36 in the first test, Ravi Shastri mentioned that the team didn’t have any chat on this in the dressing room but he about the Adelaide test he said, “We were blown away in Adelaide. When you’re blown away, you’re blown away. Against a team like Australia, you have to be good for 5 days, no point being good for just 1 or 2”.
Speaking about the turning point of the match, Shastri said, “Ajinkya Rahane’s innings was the turning point. The discpline on such a big stage. Captain of the team, bat at No. 4, on probably the toughest day to bat as it was overcast. He batted for 6 hours… unbelievable concentration”.
The coach also gave an update on Rohit Sharma and his inclusion in the third test. “We’ll stick with five bowlers. We’ll see how Rohit is physically, have to check how he feels before we take a call”.
On Rishabh Pant, Shastri said, “He was very very good in this game. The discipline he showed, his ability to counter attack… he showed it this game. He might have got only 29 runs, but it was very useful”.