Former India captain Ravi Shastri feels Mahendra Singh Dhoni needs improvement as far as his batting in Test cricket is concerned but said he is doing a decent job as a skipper in the five-day format.
The former India captain said the media should stop feasting on off-field issues and allow cricket to have its say.
His report will decide Duncan Fletcher's future as India's cricket coach and Ravi Shastri, who served as Team Director during the just-concluded limited overs series against England, has put his weight behind the under-fire Zimbabwean.
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir said the communication gap between the Indian team management and selectors on Rohit Sharma's injury was 'unfortunate' and the onus was on head coach Ravi Shastri to update skipper Virat Kohli on the matter.
Indian players are set to be challenged in overseas conditions in 2018 and chief coach Ravi Shastri says the next 18 months will define 'this Indian cricket team'.
Former India Team Director Ravi Shastri on Friday voiced his concerns about the three-year 'cooling off' period proposed by Lodha Committee, stating that it would refrain former cricketers from joining BCCI Administration. Shastri feels that an administrator should get a minimum six-year term and made it clear that a huge country like India requires "five selectors", and not three, as recommended by the Supreme Court constituted Lodha panel.
Rishabh Pant's absence from India's ODI playing XI has sparked debate, with many questioning the team's strategy of promoting Axar Patel ahead of the explosive wicketkeeper-batter. While Axar's contributions in the first two ODIs against England have been lauded, critics argue that Pant's potential impact in crucial phases of the game cannot be overlooked. The team's reliance on a left-right batting combination has also been questioned, with some questioning the effectiveness of placing KL Rahul at No. 6, a position perceived as unsuitable for his style of play. Former players and experts have weighed in on the matter, highlighting the complex situation and raising concerns about the long-term implications of these tactical decisions.
Ravi Shastri believes Mumbai's cricketers have a headstart compared to players from other domestic teams in India.
India's charismatic middle-order batter in T20 cricket Suryakumar Yadav made his Test debut along with wicketkeeper K S Bharat.
Shastri also pointed out how Rohit has evolved his game in the last few years.
Former captain Sunil Gavaskar reminded Ravi Shastri that India had won Test series in West Indies and England, a day after the under-fire coach claimed his side has better overseas record than teams of the last 15-20 years.
- 'The current coaching set-up has done a fantastic job and if they are given a one-year run then they could really make a difference'
Ravi Shastri said MS Dhoni set a new bar in wicketkeeping despite not being 'natural'.
Rahul Dravid hopes that he doesn't call it quits anytime soon. Ravi Shastri would like to see him harass batters for at least two more years while Anil Kumble finds it perplexing that he isn't a regular in India's overseas fixtures.
Shastri heaped praise on Himachal Pradesh after they won their maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy
Paine's comments stemmed from a recent media interaction where Gambhir took issue with Ricky Ponting's remarks on Virat Kohli's struggling form, saying that the Australian legend need not be concerned about Indian cricket.
'This is not his game... He is going too early for it, especially with Rohit Sharma playing aggressively at the other end.'
India are yet to shed their 'poor travellers' tag but head coach Ravi Shastri feels that it's unfair to pick on one particular side
Former India skipper Ravi Shastri feels it would be nothing short of a miracle if India retains the ICC World Twenty20 Championship title given the fickle nature of cricket's shortest format.
A revered figure in India's domestic circuit, Milind Rege played A crucial role in Mumbai's 42nd Ranji Trophy triumph last season after coming on board as Cricket Advisor.
'Binny is a very amiable guy, he has got a mind of his own. He might not be a flippant type, but when he opens his mouth, I'm sure that he will be heard, especially on cricketing matters.'
Despite the ups and downs, The Oval remains a ground of rich memories and monumental moments for Indian cricket.
Who do you think should be part of the Indian team for the fifth Test against England?
When India coach Ravi Shastri was asked about the much-speculated future of MS Dhoni, he said that none can 'mess around with' Dhoni if he decides to be in contention for next year's T20 World Cup
'This 36, wear it like a badge!' 'This 36 is what will make this team great.'
Ravi Shastri expects big-hitting Shivam Dube to set the T20 World Cup alight
'Rising to the occasion once again and playing a well-balanced knock!'
In a couple of pictures Ravi Shastri posted on Wednesday, Agastya, who will be 8 months old on Tuesday, March 30, is clearly comfortable in Rahul Uncle's arms.
Outgoing head coach Ravi Shastri and skipper Virat Kohli, who will lead the country for one last time in the shortest format, would aim to finish India's underwhelming T20 World Cup campaign on a positive note with a victory over Namibia in the team's final Super 12 match here on Monday.
Indian team's head coach Ravi Shastri gave the young wicketkeeper-batsman tips to work on specific skill sets ahead of the 11th edition of Indian Premier League.
'The great thing about success in Australia is that it does not come easily. As a professional sportsperson, you know that when you win the hard way, you command respect.'
New Zealand batsman Leo Carter on Sunday emulated the likes of Ravi Shastri and Yuvraj Singh when he entered the history books by becoming the seventh cricketer in the world to hit six sixes in an over. Carter achieved the feat during his side Canterbury Kings' win over Northern Knights in New Zealand's domestic Twenty20 tournament Super Smash. The 25-year-old left-handed batsman smashed left-arm spinner Anton Devcich six times over the Hagley Oval boundary during his stunning unbeaten knock of 70 off just 29 balls to seal a seven-wicket win for his side while chasing an imposing 220.
'The real problem for Shaheen Afridi is the pressure of being the spearhead of this Pakistan attack and without much real support at the other end when it comes to pace, genuine pace.'
Gautam Gambhir's position as India's head coach is under scrutiny following a string of disappointing results and reports of discontent within the team.
India's outgoing fielding coach R Sridhar finds himself extremely fortunate to have coached and interacted with 'amazingly talented cricketers' and said that every mistake made was a learning experience along the way.
India coach Ravi Shastri on Monday defended the team management's decision to leave out Ajinkya Rahane from the first two Tests in South Africa, saying Rohit Sharma was the best option going by form.
'In my opinion, the period between 26 and 34 years is your prime, and thereafter, the fitness of the players will ensure their longevity.'
In a letter written to Rai, COA member Edulji accused the chairman and BCCI CEO Rahul Johri of breaking rules while appointing Ravi Shastri as the men's team coach in July last year.
Graciously skirting the controversy surrounding the snub Ravi Shastri received during his job interview, the newly-appointed Indian coach Anil Kumble on Wednesday said it's the players who are the most significant part of the system and no one else.
A few nations are making a big mistake by trying to take advantage of the current mess that Indian Cricket Board is in.
