Ravi Shastri lashes out at Rahul Dravid after opting to rest ahead of India’s tour of New Zealand
Rahul Dravid, Ravi Shastri (Image Credit: Twitter)
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has lashed out at his successor, Rahul Dravid for taking a break. Apparently, the former isn’t happy with his successor taking a break ahead of India’s tour of New Zealand. For the unversed, Dravid, Vikram Rathour, and Paras Mhambrey have been rested for the white-ball series in the island nation. They have been replaced by the likes of VVS Laxman, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and Sairaj Bahutule.
Meanwhile, Shastri has said that he doesn’t believe in breaks. The 1983 World Cup winner added that for a coach to understand his team, the coach must be with the players at all times. Notably, Dravid and co. took a break ahead of the home series against South Africa in June this year and the Zimbabwe series. On the other hand, Ravi has stated that the break during the Indian T20 League is enough
“I do not believe is breaks,” Shastri said during a virtual press conference on the eve of the first T20I between India and New Zealand in Wellington. “Because I want to understand my team, I want to understand my players and I want to then, be in control of that team. These breaks… what do you need that many breaks for to be honest? You get your 2-3 months of the ITL, that’s enough for you to rest as a coach. But other times, I think a coach should be hands on, whoever he is.”
Specialist roles in T20I cricket are the best way forward: Ravi Shastri
On the other hand, the former left-arm spinner also spoke about India’s roadmap for T20I cricket. He was in agreement with VVS Laxman’s statement on having specialist players ad having a separate skipper.
“I think that is the way forward. VVS is right. They will identify the specialists, especially with youngsters because going forward, that should be the mantra. Two years from now, identify and make that Indian team into a terrific fielding side and of course identify roles for these youngsters who could be fearless. And go out there and play that kind of cricket without any baggage whatsoever,” Shastri said while replying to a query from Hindustan Times.
