'indian team is one honest bunch'

Indian cricket team’s director Ravi Shastri on Tuesday termed the media reports of a rift between Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli as “Biggest load of bull**** I have been hearing”.

Shastri said the two players have utmost respect for each other and the Indian team was “one honest bunch” who believe in playing for each other.

“It’s (rift between Dhoni and Kohli) the biggest load of bull**** I have been hearing. It’s one honest bunch who believes in playing for each other. That’s why the results you have had over the last year, 70 percent of matches won,” Shastri said.

“You ought to see the respect they have for each other. Kohli is young, flamboyant, in-your-face character. He will learn with the exposure he gets. He is only 26, let him settle into captaincy for a year or two,” he said.Shastri spoke highly of current ODI captain Dhoni, calling him an all-time legend, who played on his own terms.“Dhoni is an all-time legend. He is the kind of bloke who plays on his own terms. It’s best exemplified in the manner he quit Test cricket. I would have known many who would have loved to go for a 100-Test milestone,” he said.Excerpts from interview:

n  How settled is the bunchIJ

The context here is necessary. A win at lord’s in England. Then hammered out of sight in next three Tests. The boys literally had to pick themselves up from the shoelaces. That they did. And to have done so with the aggressive brand of cricket for eight months, including four Tests in Australia and World Cup, was heady. Even after we lost the first two ODIs in Bangladesh, all I told them was to enjoy the last game. I wanted them to remember they have had an outstanding year. That they had won against every country barring Australia.

n How about our bowlingIJ

If we are to climb up the ladder, this is an area we need to pay attention. A Test is never won without 20 wickets. But it’s no panic time yet. We just need to identify bowlers for different conditions, the classic case of horses for courses. It ought not to be all-pace on the subcontinental tracks. Accuracy and skills should count more. Bowlers who fit that bill should be encouraged.

n  Do we need a head coachIJ

My take on head coach is its’ BCCI’s call. We already have three coaches plus me. A head coach just shouldn’t fill the post but add value. Representing India shouldn't come easy, isn't it.

n How do you see your roleIJ

It’s a responsible, challenging job. Thankless too. In a sensitive country like ours, we are expected to win always. And if you don’t, be ready to receive a few kicks up your backside. My various roles in the game for the past 35 years, as a cricketer, administrator and a media professional, hold me in good stead.

“For the moment, I would let go on media. Can’t do two jobs in one go. But I am prepared to make that sacrifice. I have been in broadcast box for 20-plus years. 

Many more such seasons could be there in future. But it can all wait for the time being, barring IPl as I see no conflict (of interest) there.”

n Views on oncoming seasonIJ

We have a crowded season and some good cricket coming up. Teams like Sri lanka in their own backyard; South Africa in all conditions are tough. The boys would play the cricket as they did last season. The highlight was Australia where they looked to win at all the times. 

Even in Bangladesh, we looked to force the result but could only have two days in the field. Win and win alone will again be our endeavour in the coming months or so.