Ravi Shastri should continue as Team Director: Wasim Akram

Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has stated that it would be wrong on the part of the BCCI not to renegotiate the terms of Ravi Shastri’s contract. Reports have been pouring in regarding the contract of Shastri as the BCCI look to appoint a full-time coach. Akram however, reiterated that it was an important call since the Indians have performed well under the guidance of Ravi Shastri.

Akram also went on to point out that the morale of the Indian side has been significantly boosted following the appointment of the former Indian all-rounder to the post.

“None of the teams from the sub-continent could reach the final of the WT20. For (Indian skipper) MS Dhoni and his boys the setback is all the more as they were being considered hot favourites on home soil,” Akram said in an exclusive column for the Bengali tabloid Ebela.

Wasim Akram added that should a new head coach be appointed, Shastri should remain in the hot seat and oversee the operations carried out by the Indian team.

“I have come across reports that Ravi Shastri’s term has ended and the authorities were mulling bringing a new coach. I think, if Shastri is willing, he should be in the hot seat.”

“The Indians have white-washed Australia in T20. More importantly, one can again see the Indian team being moulded into a fighting unit which is not loath to look at the opponents eye to eye,” he said.

Finally, the former left-arm pacer added that he would be shocked should the Board of Control not renew the contract with Ravi Shastri.

“I don’t know what the Indian cricket administrators are thinking. But I will be surprised if Shastri is removed”.