BCCI

Shastri to step down as coach after T20 WC, Kumble likely to return

Online Desk

Online Desk
প্রকাশের তারিখ: 14:04 শনিবার, 18 সেপ্টেম্বর, 2021

|| CF DESK ||

Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri hinted to step down from the position after the T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman in October-November this year.

The move came just days after Virat Kohli decided to step down as India's Twenty20 captain following the T20 World Cup, and Shastri reckoned it would be the right time for him to step aside as well.

“I believe so because I’ve achieved all I wanted, five years as No 1 [in Test cricket], to win in Australia twice, to win in England. I spoke to Michael Atherton earlier this summer and said: ‘For me, this is the ultimate – to beat Australia in Australia and win in England in Covid times.’ We lead England 2-1 and the way we played at Lord’s and the Oval was special,” Shastri told The Guardian.

India defeated many giants as a visitor also at their backyard. He also added one should never overstay their welcome.

"We've also beaten every country in the world in their own backyard in white-ball cricket. If we win the T20 World Cup that will be the icing on the cake. There is nothing more. I believe one thing - never overstay your welcome,”

"And I would say that, in terms of what I wanted to get out of the side, I've over-achieved. To beat Australia away and to lead the series in England in a Covid year? It is the most satisfying moment of my four decades in cricket," he added.

Shastri also added that coaching an Indian cricket is almost like coaching the football team in Brazil or England. There is always pressure to win and deliver.

As per reports, the BCCI have thought of appointing former coach Anil Kumble and batsman VVS Laxman to apply for the head coach's position once Shastri's contract ends at the completion of the T20 World Cup.