If Rahul Dravid can decide on how he can divide his time, I am all for it: Ravi Shastri

Amidst all the controversies, Ravi Shastri has cleared the air stating that he has no problems, whatsoever, in working with former India batting maestro Rahul Dravid if the latter were to join the team as a consultant. Reports claim that Shastri has even asked the BCCI to sign Sachin Tendulkar as a consultant for overseas tours. After a lot of controversy and debate, Shastri was appointed as the new coach till the 2019 World Cup. However, since his arrival, the former allrounder has revealed his intentions of hiring full-time assistant coaches of his choice.

Despite the CAC’s decision to appoint Zaheer Khan and Rahul Dravid as consultants, Shastri had emphasised on getting his own set of coaches. Bharath Arun, his ex-colleague, has also been recalled by the BCCI as the bowling coach. Arun had earlier replaced Australian Joe Dawes as the bowling coach in 2014.

Speaking in Sri Lanka the Indian head coach said, “I’m very clear about that. Rahul can bring great advantages and we all know that. If he can decide on how he can divide his time and let the BCCI know when he can be available, I am all for it.”

Sanjay Bangar and Bharath Arun travel to Sri Lanka

Shastri had earlier also shown interest to plans to rope in individuals like Jason Gillespie and Jonty Rhodes among others in the role of consultants on a need-be basis. Meanwhile, the BCCI has agreed on a salary package of Rs 8 crore for the new coach, a whopping Rs 1.5 crore more than his predecessor Anil Kumble.

Former Indian batter Sanjay Bangar has been appointed as the assistant coach of the team. Both Bangar and Arun have travelled with Team India for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The Men in Blue will play their first Test of the series on July 26 at the Galle International Stadium. The Indian team is scheduled to play three-Tests, five one-day internationals, and one T20I on the tour.