×

Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri did not want Rahul Dravid, Zaheer Khan?

According to sources Zaheer Khan and Rahul Dravid feel humiliated with the treatment meted out to them and they would not approach the board for clarity.

Ravi Shastri (left) and Virat Kohli address the press before departure to Sri Lanka © AFP
Ravi Shastri (left) and Virat Kohli address the press before departure to Sri Lanka © AFP

There is drama. There is suspense. There is controversy. No, it is not a blockbuster thriller. It’s Indian cricket. If reports in Republic TV are to be believed then Indian skipper Virat Kohli and new coach Ravi Shastri would not require the guidance of Rahul Dravid and Zaheer Khan in the near future. A BCCI source informed the media about the same. The report states, “The cricketing legends who were earlier expected to undertake the role of bowling coach and batting consultant for overseas Test tours, respectively, have been sidelined at the mercy of the skipper and the coach.” ALSO READ: Ashwin: Shastri is exuberant, while Kumble is methodical

The source further added that Zaheer and Dravid feel humiliated with the treatment meted out to them and they would not approach the board for clarity. Their names were suggested by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) that consists three stalwarts in Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. The CAC picked the new head coach and also zeroed in on Dravid and Zaheer after discussion with Shastri. READ MORE: Shastri was consulted before Dravid, Zaheer’s appointment; decision not forced upon

However, Shastri, after taking charge had his way and brought in his own team. Bharat Arun was appointed the bowling coach while Sanjay Bangar, who was earlier the batting coach, has been elevated to the position of Assistant Coach.

In fact, ahead of the Indian team’s departure to Sri Lanka, Kohli and Shastri addressed the press where the latter clarified his stance, “I was clear in my head about my core team.”

On the Dravid-Zaheer fiasco, Shastri played it safe and replied, “Spoke to both individuals personally. They are fantastic cricketers, and their inputs will be invaluable.”

The handling of the Dravid and Zaheer issue has opened a can of debate and also in question comes the role of the CAC.

trending this week