We have done better overseas than the Indian teams of the last 15-20 years: Ravi Shastri

Despite India’s 60-run loss at the hands of England a few days ago, head coach Ravi Shastri felt that the current pool of Indian players have performed way better in overseas conditions, than the sides from the past 15-20 years.

While interacting with the media on Wednesday, Shastri, as quoted by The Indian Express said, “As hard as our guys tried, England were one-up on us there. Nothing to take away (from them), the endeavour of this team is to travel well, compete and win. If you look at the last three years, we have won nine matches overseas and three series (against West Indies and twice in Sri Lanka).”

Drawing a comparison with the Indian teams of the past 15-20 years, Shastri said, “I can’t see any other Indian team in the last 15-20 years that has had the same run in such a short time, and you have had some great players playing in those series.”

“So the promise is there, and it’s just about getting tougher mentally. You have got to hurt when you lose matches because that’s when you look within and come out with the right kind of answers to combat such situations and get past the finishing line. One day you will if you believe,” he added.

The Indian head coach further stressed on the need for mental toughness and said “I think you have got to get tough mentally. We have run teams close overseas and we have competed. But now it’s not about competing (any longer). We have to win games from here onwards. Now the endeavour is to understand where you made the mistakes, take it head on and try to correct it.”