Melbourne: Ravi Shastri was dismissive of all the flak the Indian team has copped and took a dig at critics for ‘firing blanks while sitting million miles away’.
India were humbled by Australia in the second Test in Perth by 146 runs, prompting the likes of legendary Sunil Gavaskar to question the team management’s selection policies and demanding more accountability from captain Virat Kohli and the head coach.
Shastri didn’t take any names but in his inimitable style rubbished all criticism, making it evident that he has not taken it too well. “When you are millions of miles away, it is very easy to fire blanks. Their comments are too far away and we are in the Southern hemisphere. We have to do what’s best for the team, as simple as that,” the India head coach fired a counter salvo at all the ex-cricketers, who haven’t had exactly charitable comments about the team.
When asked about selection conundrum, Shastri said the only dilemma is whether to play Ravindra Jadeja or not unlike what some experts made it out to be.
“Apart from Jadeja, I don’t think there was any other selection dilemma and if there was, it is not my problem,” Shastri replied with his usual swagger.
There was no surprises when Shastri backed skipper Virat Kohli, whose on-field behaviour has been questioned by the Australian experts. Shastri however admitted that top-order has been an issue for the team with both KL Rahul and Murali Vijay failing in four successive innings in the two Tests.
Top-order problems are a big concern. Responsibility and accountability has to be taken by the top order. I am sure they have got the experience and exposure to deliver
Ravi Shastri