Ravi Shastri in no mood to take any potshots against his Team India

Team India recently created history by winning the ODI and the Test series down under. Under the able leadership of Virat Kohli, the Men in Blue capped off the tour with a thrilling win in the Melbourne ODI. Apart from Kohli, the other man in the leadership group who has been creating a big impact on the team is the head coach, Ravi Shastri.

Ravi Shastri was obviously ecstatic after what his team achieved in Australia. He showered praises on the Indian skipper Virat Kohli. As per the recent reports in Bangalore Mirror, Shastri was heard talking about the ever-so-prevalent Sachin-Virat comparison. The head coach remarked that there are definitely similarities between Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar – and that similarity is in terms of the work ethic.

“Yesterday someone asked me if there are any similarities between Sachin and Virat. I said there were plenty. Let’s start with work ethic. It is doing the hard yards, looking ugly in the nets and sacrificing important things for your cricket. It is staying in the zone. No excuses. No pointing fingers at others. If you make a mistake, then own up. They do that,” quoted Ravi Shastri.

On the criticisms

Criticisms are a part of the game. And Ravi Shastri is brutally honest in making it clear that he is only open to constructive feedback. For any kind of agenda-driven feedback, he is not going to take any potshots aimed at his team. Shastri affirmed that he is willing to take on anyone who tries to take digs or make unnecessary comments at the Indian side.

“You expect it. I am one of the those that if it is constructive, then fine. If I find it is agenda-driven, I don’t care who the individual is, then I will throw a punch back straightaway. I mean it. I don’t care if he is a legend or a normal person. If I feel I have to punch back, I will,” the former Indian cricketer looked firm in his notions.

On Kohli’s leadership

Next, Ravi Shastri did not shy from comparing Kohli with Sir Viv Richards either. He cited that Kohli is perhaps the only batter who comes close to being as good as Viv Richards when it comes to dictating terms at the crease. Furthermore, the former Indian cricketer had his praises for Kohli’s leadership skills as well where he leads from the front and motivates the group.

“Virat can be in your face. He is the closest a player has come to Viv Richards in the way he bats. That ‘In your Face’ approach with fast bowlers and any opponent. He is also prepared to do the hard work and be ugly. That is part of his batting he leanrned in England,” noted the Indian head coach.

“He is very caring with his team-mates and just a fantastic role model. He has achieved greatness but to still be in the zone and being humble and hungry and wanting Test cricket makes my admiration for him grow more and more,” Shastri added.

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