Former Indian coach Anshuman Gaekwad expresses that the current Indian team has the best possible combination under the captaincy of Virat Kohli. He even said that it is the best team in India’s Test cricket history.
Gaekwad applauded India’s pacers who, according to him, have played a major role in victories in foreign lands. Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India has convincingly won several Test matches, including the historic Test win against Australis last year.
The Men in Blue have ruled in the most extended format before losing the No. 1 place in the ICC Test ranking this year to Australia.
India’s is the most balanced team: Anshuman Gaekwad
Gaekwad believes that India is the most balanced team with the best bowling and batting line up. He believes that there are a lot more match-winners than past in the team.
“If you ask me, I believe that he [Virat Kohli] has the best possible team in Indian history. Bowling, batting, the balance of team are the best,” Gaekwad told Sportskeeda.
“Up till now, we had no pace bowlers. We had Karsan, Roger, Kapil, but they didn’t win matches for you all the time. Today, they have a battery of pacers with options, and they are winning matches for you,” added Gaekwad.
I had a word with Sachin Tendulkar: former coach
Anshuman Gaekwad recalled that he encouraged Sachin Tendulkar to not leave captaincy but the master blaster was not convinced.
“It is only a question of time. I had a word with Sachin Tendulkar when he left the captaincy, I tried to convince him, but he felt that he is giving 110 per cent, and why can’t the others (do the same).
“As a captain, one must understand that every individual is different. You can give 110, but others can give only 90 or 95 per cent. How [do you] convert that into 100 per cent? That is what we need to work on,” said the two-time former national coach.
Further, the two-time former coach has backed Virat Kohli to end the ICC trophy-drought. In the last World Cup, India was eliminated from the tournament after losing to New Zealand in the semi-final.