Former India opener Chetan Chauhan has asked for the removal of Ravi Shastri from the India head coach’s post following India’s 1-4 drubbing in the five-Test series in England recently.
“Ravi Shastri should be removed as head coach before the Australia tour. Ravi Shastri is very good cricket commentator and he should be allowed to do so,” Chauhan was quoted as saying by NDTV.
At a time when the cricket fraternity is divided on whether to keep Shastri or sack him, Chauhan’s comments are significant. India’s dismal show in England was attributed to the fragile batting line-up which failed to stand up when needed. Going session-wise, India didn’t play that bad as the scoreline suggests. It was lack of application among batsmen that came to the fore during gruelling series.
Chauhan felt that the team should have done better as both the teams were almost similar on strengths and weaknesses. “Team India should have performed better. Both the teams were evenly matched. But the Indian team failed to check tail-enders of England,” Chauhan said.
The former opener also didn’t agree with the current India head coach on the latter’s comments that this Virat Kohli-led side was the “best travelling side in the world”. “I do not agree. In 1980s, the Indian team was the best travelling team in the world,” he was quoted. Shastri’s claim of being the “best side” came after India’s triumph at the Trent Bridge more than a month ago.
However, Chauhan sounded upbeat when asked about India’s chances in the ongoing Asia Cup in United Arab Emirates. According to him, the team can expect a good show as it comprises both experience and young guns.
Chauhan played 40 Tests between 1969 and 1981 and scored 2084 runs for India as an opener alongside former India captain and legendary Sunil Gavaskar. He also played seven limited overs games for India.
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