#TFGtake: Kohli-Shastri combo could mean curtains for Dhoni

BY NOW we all know Indian skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri are two stubborn individuals. Despite his disagreement with former coach Anil Kumble, Kohli got his wish fulfilled by getting the former team director as the new coach of the national team. 

As expected, Shastri made his presence felt immediately after he was roped in for the high profile job by getting his demands answered too. Once again, they duo is back in power and while it might work well for the current set up, they also have the ability to run amok in Indian cricket. 

It is very clear that the duo is keen on creating a team and even support staff of their own choice. Reading into the latest developments, one gets a feeling that the pair doesn’t want any influential or iconic figure in the Indian team. 

Also, Kohli-Shastri will be aware of how their partnership is going to continue until the 2019 World Cup, unless of course, there is unexpected fallout between the two. We expect such bizarre episodes in Indian cricket! 

For the time being though, the duo is determined on taking Indian cricket forward in their own unique way and will not refrain from taking tough decisions. Call it being fair or an act of nepotism, we can expect surprising moves. If Kohli couldn’t see the value in working with Kumble, then anything is possible.  

Already, Kohli-Shastri partnership has had its impact. Just when it appeared that Rahul Dravid and Zaheer Khan could add value to the support staff with their expertise, Shastri thought otherwise and convinced the BCCI with his new proposal by roping in assistant Sanjay Bangar and bowling coach Bharat Arun. In fact, Shastri even went to call for Sachin Tendulkar’s advice for overseas tours. Whether or not that gets answered, the former team director is already dictating traffic. 

Despite Tendulkar and his CAC colleagues choosing Dravid as consultant for overseas tours, Shastri has pitched for the Master Blaster. While some might be perplexed at the move, we feel Shastri has made a perfect move. Consider this: Tendulkar has never been inclined to coaching or assisting any team for a lengthy period of time, for reasons known best to him. Given the demands of overseas tours, it will come as no shock if the maestro once again declines the offer. Shastri is a smart cookie and could have factored it in. 

Very smartly, Kohli-Shastri have ensured no influential figure gets in the way of their partnership. However, only MS Dhoni remains and although he might not be in the best of form with the willow, he still carries an aura like no other cricketer in the world at the moment. 

Ignoring a slight dip in form, Dhoni is still an asset for the Indian team. Sure, an extended dry spell won’t help his cause and knowing Dhoni’s colossal father figure presence, Shastri-Kohli would think twice before giving him any extension. That said, Dhoni is smart too and can forecast premonitions better than most. 

The former captain has been expressive about how he would love to play in the lead up to the 2019 World Cup. If he is successful at this, then the youngsters in the team and circuit will always look up to Dhoni for advice. This will not be appreciated by the current skipper and coach. This despite their motto: Indian cricket’s growth comes first. Strange! 

Going ahead, Dhoni will be given opportunities against Sri Lanka and Australia in the ODIs, and if the bat fails to do the talking, Shastri and Kohli will start dropping hints. While Dhoni would love to continue for a bit longer, let’s not be surprised if he pulls the plug. Remember, Dhoni has never been a fan of hogging limelight and wouldn’t give anybody the opportunity to humiliate him. Like always, he will vacate the stage without any fuss. 

Back to Kohli, he has already squandered a great chance of adding an ICC trophy to his cabinet. The new captain would be desperate to win the 2019 World Cup. Whether or not it actually happens, he would at least prefer to enter the tournament leading India, and more importantly without Dhoni in the team. 

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