Team must be given utmost priority, people like me and Kumble will come and go: Shastri 

AHEAD OF INDIA tour of Sri Lanka, head coach Ravi Shastri and skipper Virat Kohli spoke about the incidences that transpired in the past few weeks. 

Shastri, who was recently appointed as India head coach, convinced the BCCI to re-appoint bowling Bharat Arun as bowling coach, R Sridhar as fielding coach and Sanjay Bangar as batting coach. Shastri briefed the press that he has matured immensely in the past two weeks. He reckoned that while people like him and Anil Kumble will come and go, the progress of Indian cricket will always remain BCCI’s top priority. 

“Shastri’s and Kumble’s will come and go, the team is more important. I have matured immensely in the last two weeks. I don’t come with any baggage. When you play you want your mind clear. My job is to do the same thing.”

When Kohli was asked about his relationship with Shastri, the prolific batsman said,

“We have worked together earlier as well so I don’t think much effort will be required to understand each other. Understanding & communication is important for every relationship to be successful.”

The Delhi-lad stated that despite the recent controversy, his focus will remain on batting more than anything else. 

“I don’t think there is added pressure. What has to happen will happen. Criticism and being criticised is nothing new to us. Whatever is happening off the field doesn’t bother us. I do not take any added pressure. I started as a player and you only focus on the series that you have to play. I only have the bat in my hand, my job is to do my best, lot of speculations around.” 

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