'They were a bit timid at the top' - Ravi Shastri backs Indian batters' newform aggressive approach in T20Is

Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri reckons the Men in Blue should continue to bat aggressively in T20I cricket, with the T20 World Cup 2022 being a few months away. Shastri, who was at the helm of affairs during India’s last year’s T20 WC campaign, admitted that India were a “bit timid” in the way they approached batting in the 20-over format.

He further went on to endorse the fearless approach that the team have adopted under skipper Rohit Sharma. It must be noted that India endured a horrendous campaign in the last year’s mega event, and their top-order batters were highly criticized for their ‘reluctance’ in the initial overs. The then Virat Kohli-led side couldn’t even qualify for the semi-finals after suffering humiliating defeats against New Zealand and Pakistan.

However, Rohit took over the reins from Kohli after the gala tournament, and a change in approach has been marked by the Indian batters. The players have been provided the license to go hard at the ball, and the renewed style has so far been fruitful. Shastri is of the same opinion as he wants the Indian batters not to take the old route.

India should not change the approach: Ravi Shastri

“They should not change the approach. Even when I was coach we discussed we were a bit timid at the top considering the players we had down the order,” Shastri said on Star Sports “It is the right approach. You will lose a few games in between, but if you start winning with this approach you can take that confidence in big games and use the same tactics,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Men in Blue are currently gearing up for the upcoming Asia Cup 2022, which gets underway on August 27. The focus will be on Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, who haven’t played a lot of T20I cricket since the last 20-over World Cup. However, Shastri reckons both batters will adapt to India’s newly aggressive approach sooner than later.

“Why not? They are very experienced players. They have played enough IPL and T20s, and it should not be tough for them to adjust. With Rishabh, Hardik, Jadeja, there is enough depth in the middle and lower order to get the innings back on track if top order falls cheaply,” said Shastri.