Virat Kohli voted for Ravi Shastri to remain as coach

Anil Kumble’s decision to step down as the Indian head coach came as a shock to the whole cricketing world. The legendary cricketer decided to quit the post with dignity after a series of complications with Indian skipper Virat Kohli. With each passing day, a new chapter of the Kumble-Kohli saga is coming out of the shelf. The latest one in news says that Virat Kohli wanted former head coach Ravi Shastri to take over the proceedings from Anil Kumble.

Kohli-Shastri relationship:

During Shastri’s tenure as the head coach, he had a smooth relationship with Virat Kohli and both of them had a wonderful bond. Kohli was the Test captain of India under the 55-year-old active commentator and had applauded Shastri as a coach repeatedly during his term. Kohli mentioned that Shastri created a pleasant atmosphere in the dressing room and his approach towards the game was liked by all.

“Having Ravi Shastri around is a massive boost for us as a team. There is no two ways about his thinking. He is the most amazing person to have around this team right now because it is a young unit and the kind of confidence he gives. He has authority; when he speaks people respect him. There is no talk just for the sake of it. He is sensible and something that gives you a lot of confidence and a lot of assurance,” said Kohli to a sports portal in 2015.

Virat Kohli also mentioned that Ravi Shastri helped him in correcting and developing his game as a cricketer when he was going through a rough patch in his career. Suresh Raina had also heaped praise on Shastri once, after grabbing the Man of The Match award against England in Cardiff. The batsman had scored a century and said that Shastri boosted him up before the game.

“His aura is very good. He speaks to players individually and has a positive influence on us. We are very pleased to have him in the side,” Raina had said.

If reports are to be believed, Kohli wanted Shastri to continue as the coach when he was replaced by Anil Kumble. Kohli also asked the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) to appoint Shastri for the role when BCCI decided to accept invitations for the job. From his actions, it was clear that the captain favoured Ravi Shastri over Anil Kumble as the Indian head coach.