Ravi Shastri makes his intentions clear ahead of Sri Lanka series

Indian team is all set to face Sri Lanka in a week’s time and the preparation before the start of the long tour is going in full swing. With Ravi Shastri taking over as head coach of Indian team, the intent and aggression are expected to reach a higher stratum as the young Indian team takes the field against the subdued opponents.

The camaraderie shared between skipper Virat Kohli and coach Shastri was a pivotal aspect in India’s success in the latter’s time as team director. Speaking in an interview, the former Indian cricketer made it clear that once players step on to the field, it’s their domain and he would want them to trust their instincts.

“They know their job, they are professional cricketers. Once they step on the field they take over. That is how it should be,” said Shastri after landing in Sri Lanka.

Fearless Brand of cricket

Before the start of his first assignment as head coach, he made his intentions clear and wants players to play “fearless brand of cricket”. “My role will be to get the guys in frame of mind that they get out and express themselves and play fearless brand of cricket,” the Indian coach expressed.

He believes that Indian players can’t take an opposition like Sri Lanka lightly and will have to play out their skins if they wish to crush the opposition in all three formats.

“Their track record playing at home is as good as any other team. We would look to improve in the series. Else there is no point playing. You have to try and raise the bar whenever you play,” Shastri added.

Love affair with Sri Lanka

Ravi’s love affair with Sri Lanka started almost four decades back and he cherished the same in the best possible manner. Starting his journey as an 18-year-old lad to coming here after 40 years as the head coach of India cricket team, he has a lot of fond memories.

“The first stamp on my passport was that of Sri Lanka. I came for the first time as an 18-year-old. Then first stint as a broadcaster in Sri Lanka in 1994. Now first stint as coach happens to here. I have lot of fond memories,” Shastri stated.