I'm all in if Dravid can divide his time and make himself available for the team, says Shastri

INDIA HEAD COACH Ravi Shastri has stated that he has no problem working with Rahul Dravid as he believes that the legendary batsman’s experience can be beneficial for the team if he can join as a consultant. 

Shastri’s comments are coming days after the BCCI appointed support staff of his demand. Earlier, the CAC comprising Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman had announced that Zaheer Khan and Rahul Dravid would act in the roles of the bowling coach and as overseas Test batting consultant respectively. According to a report in TOI, Shastri clarified that he is willing to work with Dravid.

"I'm very clear about that. Rahul (Dravid) can bring great advantages and we all know that. If he can decide on how he can divide his time and let the BCCI know when he can be available, I am all for it."

Shastri picked Bharat Arun over Zaheer as the bowling coach after finalising his choice in a meeting with the management.  Shastri also clarified that if Zaheer meets all conditions as required by the BCCI, he can be invited as and when needed.

"I have myself given this a serious thought. It's a long way forward — two years — and there's going to be a lot of planning required in terms of inviting consultants from time to time."

Shastri’s first assignment in the new role will start when India play Sri Lanka in the first match of the Test series starting July 26.

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