Indian National Cricket Team Chief Coach Ravi Shastri maintained he would give it back to the critic if it appeared to be the agenda-driven criticism. He recently spoke to former England skipper Michael Vaughan. However, he has made it pretty clear that if the critic happened to be a stalwart, he would punch if he feels so to do it. He has also complimented Team India captain Virat Kohli for his work ethics.
Shastri reiterated that the constructive criticism would be welcomed anytime.
“You expect it. I am one of 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,” Shastri told the Daily Telegraph.
It’s quite essential over here that former Team India cricketer and legendary Sunil Gavaskar recently criticised the methods and combination of the team. It came following the Perth Test loss before India sealed the Test series 2-1 after Sydney draw.
Shastri on Kohli’s batting manner:
Moreover, Shastri has praised Kohli by saying latter has been closer to the Windies veteran Sir Vivian Richards regarding aggressive batting.
“He is the closest a player has come to Vivian Richards in the way he bats,” Shastri said.
While shedding light on the similarities between Kohli and his idol Sachin Tendulkar, Shastri believes Mumbaikar was composed in his nature whereas Kohli plays with aggression.
“Yesterday someone asked me if there are any similarities between Sachin [Tendulkar] and Virat. I said there were plenty. Let’s start with work ethic. Virat can be in your face. That ‘in your face’ approach with fast bowlers and any opponent. He is also prepared to do hard work and be ugly. That is part of his batting he learned in England,” Shastri maintained.
Shastri has lauded the efforts of Kohli while saying he has emerged as the ‘role model’ for the youngsters. The Indian head coach added Kohli is aiming to give his best in each format including the traditional format.
“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 said.
Youngsters want to emulate Kohli:
While heaping praise on Kohli for the promotion of the Test cricket, the 56-year-old Shastri added the youngsters are looking forward to emulating Kohli. He also talked about the importance of extended format in the top flight cricket.
“In our country where everything is driven by T20, IPL and one-day cricket to have an individual like him to put the onus on Test cricket more than any format of the game is massive. Because all the young kids want to emulate him,” Shastri stated.
Virat Kohli has an impact:
In conclusion, Kohli has urged young cricketer to set sights on the tradition format. Adding if they want to excel in the long run. However, Shastri believes Kohli’s prominence holds a key in a format like Test cricket
“If Virat Kohli said: ‘I am bored with Test cricket’ you will see the impact. It would have on the game, especially in India. For him to enjoy it and enjoy the things that go with Test cricket, like the pressure an individual feels during a Test match, is great,” Shastri concluded.
After the historic Test series win and now the ODI series victory by 2-1 in Australia, Kohli’s Team India will head to New Zealand for the limited-overs competition.