Video Editor: Abhishek Sharma
Skipper Virat Kohli made it very clear that coach Ravi Shastri is not a yes-man at the press conference ahead of India’s tour of Australia on Friday. Kohli said that Shastri has said no to him more than anybody else.
About Ravi Shastri saying yes all the time, that is the most bizarre thing I’ve heard. I don’t think anyone has said no to me more than him. He’s one guy I can speak to and get an honest opinion. He’ll tell me what doesn’t need to be done. I’ve made more changes to my game listening to him than to anyone else in the past. I think these are very personal things that happen within the team environment. Things that conveniently need to be put out there are put out there. We are not going to hold a banner and say this is what happens in the Indian team. As long as our heart is clear and intent is right, we just want to keep moving forward.Virat Kohli
No More Chopping And Changing in the ODI Team
Ravi Shastri said that the Indian team management will try to play those 15 players in the upcoming ODIs, who will eventually be part of the World Cup squad.
As far as ODI cricket goes, we’ll try and play close to a squad of 15 that will play the World Cup. Chopping and changing is over now. Now is the time to be focused and play as a unit. Hopefully, there are not too many injuries. There are not too many games now. There are 8 games in Australia and New Zealand and then 5 against Australia in India. So we’ll try and play the best team at all times.Ravi Shastri
Kohli & Co Won't Start Altercations on the Field In Australia
In recent years, the Indian team has come to be known as a team which is toe-to-toe with the Australians in terms of altercations on the field. However, Virat Kohli said that his team won’t start any altercations on the field, but will give it back if needed.
We were always the ones giving it back. We were never the ones starting anything. As long as the altercation doesn’t start we have no problem focusing on our game. If they want to play in a certain way we will reciprocate in that way. That’s how the game of cricket goes. In our own minds, we have to keep it competitive and not let our energies drop.Virat Kohli
‘More Than Happy Across All Three Formats’
Two big tests of character, in South Africa and England, saw India suffer their first Test series defeats since Virat Kohli became full-time captain. The limited overs, though, provided happier outings – with India winning both the ODIs and the T20Is in South Africa, before picking an ODI series win in England. Coach Ravi Shastri believes the team is on the right track, in all three formats of the game.
I see a lot of progress across all formats, and I say that in spite of the scoreline in England. When you look at actual performances across all three formats, in conditions that are foreign to us, I am more than happy. If we learn from the mistakes we made in South Africa and in England, I think it will stand us in good stead in Australia.Ravi Shastri
No Comments on ‘Leave India’ Controversy
Kohli had been in the news in the last week for his ‘Leave India’ comment on social media, and sure enough, the question popped up at the departure press conference – much to his dismay. With a reporter drawing parallels with Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian captain, visibly not too impressed by the line of questioning, retorted back.
I have always had one idol, and you know his name. I’ve made my clarification.Virat Kohli
“Water under the bridge,” bellowed coach Shastri. And that was that.
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