Kohli Praises Shastri, Says ‘He Took Bullets from the Front Line’
Virat Kohli, one of the most successful cricketers of his generation, has praised his former coach Ravi Shastri for playing a crucial role in his success in Test cricket. Kohli, who has been at the helm of Indian cricket’s Test team, has credited Shastri for providing him with the clarity and support he needed to excel in the longest format of the game.
In an interview, Kohli expressed his gratitude towards Shastri, saying that his achievements in Test cricket wouldn’t have been possible without the former India head coach. “The clarity which we had together is very hard to find. It’s everything for cricketers to grow in their careers,” Kohli said, highlighting the importance of his partnership with Shastri.
Kohli also praised Shastri for backing him, especially during the press conferences where the former coach would often take the flak for Kohli’s decisions. “He took the bullets from the front line,” Kohli said, emphasizing the tough job that Shastri did in shielding him from the media’s scrutiny.
Shastri’s role in India’s Test team was instrumental in the team’s success during his tenure. Under his guidance, India rose to become the number one Test team in the world, and Kohli’s individual performances were a major factor in that success. Kohli’s own success, particularly in the Test format, can be attributed to the trust and faith that Shastri had in him.
Kohli’s comments about Shastri are a testament to the strong bond that the two shared during their time together in the Indian cricket team. Shastri, who is known for his no-nonsense approach and straightforward opinions, was a perfect fit for Kohli, who is a highly driven and competitive cricketer.
The duo’s partnership was not without its challenges, however. Kohli has often spoken about the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being a top-level cricketer, and Shastri’s role in shielding him from that pressure was crucial in helping him maintain his focus on the game.
In particular, Kohli praised Shastri for his ability to handle the media effectively, saying that the former coach was always willing to take the blame for his decisions. “He took the bullets from the front line,” Kohli said, highlighting the sacrifices that Shastri made for the team.
Shastri’s role in Indian cricket extends beyond his time as head coach, however. He has been involved in the game for over three decades, and has played a significant role in the development of several cricketers, including Kohli.
Kohli’s praise for Shastri is not limited to his coaching skills, however. The two have a deep personal bond that was forged during their time together in the Indian team. Kohli has often spoken about the importance of having a strong support system, and Shastri was a key figure in that system for him.
In conclusion, Kohli’s praise for Shastri is a testament to the strong bond that the two shared during their time together in the Indian cricket team. Shastri’s role in Kohli’s success was crucial, and his ability to provide clarity and support was instrumental in helping Kohli achieve his goals.
As Kohli said, “The clarity which we had together is very hard to find. It’s everything for cricketers to grow in their careers.” Shastri’s contributions to Indian cricket go beyond his time as head coach, and his impact on the game will be felt for years to come.
