Ravi Shastri has donned several roles in Indian cricket. The former all-rounder turned into a successful commentator before serving as Team India's head coach from 2017 to 2021. However, he also fulfilled the role of the&nbsp;team director for the national side twice, in 2007 (during the Bangladesh tour) and from 2014 to 2016.

Before his appointment as India's team director in 2014, during MS Dhoni &amp; Co.'s England tour, Shastri had no time to react as the BCCI asked him to come onboard as soon as possible. Back then, he was part of the commentary panel for India-England Tests, where the Dhoni-led visitors were being hammered left, right and center (eventually losing 3-1).

Recalling his appointment, Shastri told The Guardian, “I had no warning. I was commentating at the Oval during India’s [2014] tour of England and came off air to find six or seven missed calls. ‘Seven bloody calls? What’s happened here?’. [The BCCI] just said: ‘We want you to take over, starting tomorrow, at any cost.’ I told them I’d have to speak to my family and commercial partners but they just said they would sort all that out. And like that, I was straight in from the commentary box. You’ll see when I joined the setup [during the ODIs], I was still in jeans and loafers. Instantly my job changed."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-one-comes-your-way-former-coach-ravi-shastri-reveals-how-team-india-tackled-australias-sledging-473996">'If one comes your way....' - Former coach Ravi Shastri reveals how Team India tackled Australia's sledging</a>

After serving as the team director for two years, Shastri was the frontrunner to be India's next coach post Duncan Fletcher's end of tenure. Shastri continued his job as the team director despite Fletcher's exit in 2015. However, Anil Kumble took over as the head coach for a year, in 2016, before the job went to Shastri post the 2017 Champions Trophy. The former cricketer recalled his first agenda after taking over as the head coach of Team India.

“We also had slingers [coaches with dogsticks] in the nets smashing the ball in at 160kph from 16 yards. Guys had no choice. There was no dodging, I’d stand behind the stumps to make sure of that. No matter who the person was, he had to go through that. The slingers would seriously let it rip and guys would look ugly. But you are meant to look ugly in the nets. In England, you have to grind and earn your runs."

“The same with the bowlers, we told them to stick in because there is a five-wicket session at any given time in England and at Lord’s and the Oval this decided the result. And we knew winning in Australia or England wasn’t coming with spin, it was fast bowlers, guys with aggression like Jasprit Bumrah. We were instrumental in making sure that guy played Test cricket. You don’t even need express pace, you just need attitude," Shastri opined.

Under Shastri, India were dominant across formats in bilateral series -- winning two Tests in Australia and gaining an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom -- played the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-finals and inaugural WTC final.

Ravi Shastri has donned several roles in Indian cricket. The former all-rounder turned into a successful commentator before serving as Team India's head coach from 2017 to 2021.

Ravi Shastri has donned several roles in Indian cricket. The former all-rounder turned into a successful commentator before serving as Team India's head coach from 2017 to 2021. However, he also fulfilled the role of the team director for the national side twice, in 2007 (during the Bangladesh tour) and from 2014 to 2016. Before his appointment as India's team director in 2014, during MS Dhoni & Co.'s England tour, Shastri had no time to react as the BCCI asked him to come onboard as soon as possible. Back then, he was part of the commentary panel for India-England Tests, where the Dhoni-led visitors were being hammered left, right and center (eventually losing 3-1). Recalling his appointment, Shastri told The Guardian, “I had no warning. I was commentating at the Oval during India’s [2014] tour of England and came off air to find six or seven missed calls. ‘Seven bloody calls? What’s happened here?’. [The BCCI] just said: ‘We want you to take over, starting tomorrow, at any cost.’ I told them I’d have to speak to my family and commercial partners but they just said they would sort all that out. And like that, I was straight in from the commentary box. You’ll see when I joined the setup [during the ODIs], I was still in jeans and loafers. Instantly my job changed." ALSO READ | 'If one comes your way....' - Former coach Ravi Shastri reveals how Team India tackled Australia's sledging After serving as the team director for two years, Shastri was the frontrunner to be India's next coach post Duncan Fletcher's end of tenure. Shastri continued his job as the team director despite Fletcher's exit in 2015. However, Anil Kumble took over as the head coach for a year, in 2016, before the job went to Shastri post the 2017 Champions Trophy. The former cricketer recalled his first agenda after taking over as the head coach of Team India. “We also had slingers [coaches with dogsticks] in the nets smashing the ball in at 160kph from 16 yards. Guys had no choice. There was no dodging, I’d stand behind the stumps to make sure of that. No matter who the person was, he had to go through that. The slingers would seriously let it rip and guys would look ugly. But you are meant to look ugly in the nets. In England, you have to grind and earn your runs." “The same with the bowlers, we told them to stick in because there is a five-wicket session at any given time in England and at Lord’s and the Oval this decided the result. And we knew winning in Australia or England wasn’t coming with spin, it was fast bowlers, guys with aggression like Jasprit Bumrah. We were instrumental in making sure that guy played Test cricket. You don’t even need express pace, you just need attitude," Shastri opined. Under Shastri, India were dominant across formats in bilateral series -- winning two Tests in Australia and gaining an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom -- played the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-finals and inaugural WTC final.

'We want you to take over at any cost' - Ravi Shastri on being appointed Team India's director in 2014

Virat Kohli had become a household name after&nbsp;India embarked upon a new era following their triumph&nbsp;in the 2011 ODI World Cup. The Indian batter had jumped up the ranks and became the mainstay of Indian batting post the retirements of stalwarts such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, etc.

However, Kohli endured a horrible Test series in England; his first-ever outing in whites in the country. In India's five-match Test series versus hosts England, Kohli returned with 134 runs in 10 innings at a dismal average of 13.40. Following the series, a lot of questions were raised on the Indian superstar's credentials against incoming deliveries as he repeatedly fell prey to James Anderson &amp; Co.

After the series, Kohli met Master Blaster Tendulkar and reworked&nbsp;his batting style. Recently, Tendulkar revealed how he came to a struggling Kohli's rescue.&nbsp;

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"Virat is a good friend. So pleased to see how his career has shaped in the last decade. When I started, I was part of the team at that time and I could see that fire and hunger in him. And from thereon, how he has worked hard on his game and how he has changed his lifestyle to achieve what he has been able to… has been remarkable," Tendulkar told Graham Bensinger.

He recalled, "Virat has been tremendous. He has done tremendously well and there is so much to happen in his career from here on. We all at some stage in our career, need heroes and the players who have that impact on their generation, motivate so many guys."

"In 2014, I remember meeting him and we discussed a couple of things where I felt he could get better. I have always believed in helping players and sharing my knowledge, whatever inputs I have… I've always been open to that. Virat contacted me and he wanted me to spend some time with him which I did. And like I said, that each generation looks up to their hero. That's how you set your dreams and set your targets. Then you start chasing them," added Tendulkar.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-your-property-heartwarming-tendulkar-reveals-why-he-returned-virat-kohlis-retirement-gift-454035">This is your property: Heartwarming! Tendulkar reveals why he returned Virat Kohli's retirement gift</a>

Following his chat with Tendulkar, Kohli was on a run-scoring spree as he slammed three centuries in India's tour of Australia, in 2014-15. On his second Test series&nbsp;in England, Kohli silenced his critics in style by scoring 593 runs at 59.3 with two impressive hundreds and equal number of fifties.

At present, Kohli has been given a bio-bubble break and will skip the Sri Lanka T20Is. He will return for the home Test series versus the Islanders, starting on March 4.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli had become a household name after India embarked upon a new era following their triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup. The Indian batter had jumped up the ranks and became the mainstay of Indian batting post the retirements of stalwarts such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, etc.

Virat Kohli had become a household name after India embarked upon a new era following their triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup. The Indian batter had jumped up the ranks and became the mainstay of Indian batting post the retirements of stalwarts such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, etc. However, Kohli endured a horrible Test series in England; his first-ever outing in whites in the country. In India's five-match Test series versus hosts England, Kohli returned with 134 runs in 10 innings at a dismal average of 13.40. Following the series, a lot of questions were raised on the Indian superstar's credentials against incoming deliveries as he repeatedly fell prey to James Anderson & Co. After the series, Kohli met Master Blaster Tendulkar and reworked his batting style. Recently, Tendulkar revealed how he came to a struggling Kohli's rescue. ALSO READ | MS Dhoni has got ice running through his veins, Virat Kohli is a superhuman: Shane Watson "Virat is a good friend. So pleased to see how his career has shaped in the last decade. When I started, I was part of the team at that time and I could see that fire and hunger in him. And from thereon, how he has worked hard on his game and how he has changed his lifestyle to achieve what he has been able to… has been remarkable," Tendulkar told Graham Bensinger. He recalled, "Virat has been tremendous. He has done tremendously well and there is so much to happen in his career from here on. We all at some stage in our career, need heroes and the players who have that impact on their generation, motivate so many guys." "In 2014, I remember meeting him and we discussed a couple of things where I felt he could get better. I have always believed in helping players and sharing my knowledge, whatever inputs I have… I've always been open to that. Virat contacted me and he wanted me to spend some time with him which I did. And like I said, that each generation looks up to their hero. That's how you set your dreams and set your targets. Then you start chasing them," added Tendulkar. ALSO READ | This is your property: Heartwarming! Tendulkar reveals why he returned Virat Kohli's retirement gift Following his chat with Tendulkar, Kohli was on a run-scoring spree as he slammed three centuries in India's tour of Australia, in 2014-15. On his second Test series in England, Kohli silenced his critics in style by scoring 593 runs at 59.3 with two impressive hundreds and equal number of fifties. At present, Kohli has been given a bio-bubble break and will skip the Sri Lanka T20Is. He will return for the home Test series versus the Islanders, starting on March 4.

'He wanted me to...:' Sachin Tendulkar reveals how he came to a struggling Virat Kohli's aid in 2014

Stuart Binny announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Monday (August 30). Though his career for was a start-stop affair, with not many chances coming his way, Binny had some memorable moments for Team India and Rajasthan Royals (RR), in particular, in Indian Premier League (IPL).

Binny represented India in six Tests, 14 ODIs and three T20Is. He made his Test debut during India's tour of England in 2014, under MS Dhoni. Recalling the moment when he received his Test cap from the former skipper, Binny was quoted as saying by Asianet Newsable, "I think my best moment from Indian cricket is when I received my Test cap from MS Dhoni at Nottingham. That’s the moment which I would cherish the most."

He further revealed how Dhoni motivated him with his words and said, "He [MS Dhoni] told me that I had deserved this opportunity and that I had performed consistently well in the Ranji Trophy for three-four seasons. And obviously, if you can do it in the Ranji Trophy, it is just a matter of believing that I could do well in Test cricket as well. He also assured me that I had the full support of the Indian team, and he wanted me to go out and express myself."

At 37, Binny also shared why he thought of calling it quits from the gentlemen's game. He stated,&nbsp;"I think I have reached a stage where cricket has become difficult for me because of the pandemic. First and foremost, there was not enough cricket played in the last two years. And, to be a professional cricketer, you need to be playing cricket continuously and also practice regularly. Also, it is difficult to carry on as a cricketer if you are only practising and not getting game time. Thus, I felt that my best years had passed as a professional, and I also did not want to continue just because I loved playing it. I depended heavily on my performances as well, and I felt that it was the right time to make that decision."

Binny is mostly known for his 6 for 4 in a low-scoring ODI versus Bangladesh in 2014 and his match-saving 78 on Test debut in Nottingham. In IPL, he represented teams such as RR, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI).&nbsp;

Binny will now foray into the world of coaching, being a certified NCA Level-2 coach.&nbsp;

Stuart Binny announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Monday (August 30). Though his career for was a start-stop affair, with not many chances coming his way, Binny had some memorable moments for Team India and Rajasthan Royals (RR), in particular, in Indian Premier League (IPL).

Stuart Binny announced his retirement from all forms of the game on Monday (August 30). Though his career for was a start-stop affair, with not many chances coming his way, Binny had some memorable moments for Team India and Rajasthan Royals (RR), in particular, in Indian Premier League (IPL). Binny represented India in six Tests, 14 ODIs and three T20Is. He made his Test debut during India's tour of England in 2014, under MS Dhoni. Recalling the moment when he received his Test cap from the former skipper, Binny was quoted as saying by Asianet Newsable, "I think my best moment from Indian cricket is when I received my Test cap from MS Dhoni at Nottingham. That’s the moment which I would cherish the most." He further revealed how Dhoni motivated him with his words and said, "He [MS Dhoni] told me that I had deserved this opportunity and that I had performed consistently well in the Ranji Trophy for three-four seasons. And obviously, if you can do it in the Ranji Trophy, it is just a matter of believing that I could do well in Test cricket as well. He also assured me that I had the full support of the Indian team, and he wanted me to go out and express myself." At 37, Binny also shared why he thought of calling it quits from the gentlemen's game. He stated, "I think I have reached a stage where cricket has become difficult for me because of the pandemic. First and foremost, there was not enough cricket played in the last two years. And, to be a professional cricketer, you need to be playing cricket continuously and also practice regularly. Also, it is difficult to carry on as a cricketer if you are only practising and not getting game time. Thus, I felt that my best years had passed as a professional, and I also did not want to continue just because I loved playing it. I depended heavily on my performances as well, and I felt that it was the right time to make that decision." Binny is mostly known for his 6 for 4 in a low-scoring ODI versus Bangladesh in 2014 and his match-saving 78 on Test debut in Nottingham. In IPL, he represented teams such as RR, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI). Binny will now foray into the world of coaching, being a certified NCA Level-2 coach.

Stuart Binny recalls MS Dhoni's motivational words before Test debut in 2014, calls it 'best moment from Indian cricket'

Virat Kohli, who is regarded as one of the best batsmen to have ever played cricket, has opened up about his battle with depression during India's tour of England, where the swashbuckling batsman went through the worst form of his life.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indian skipper has revealed how he felt he was the "loneliest&nbsp;guy in the world" as he&nbsp;narrated&nbsp;his struggle during India's tour of England in 2014, where he averaged a mere 13.50 in 10 innings – his lowest in a series with more than three&nbsp;Tests.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When asked&nbsp;by former England first-class cricketer and a renowned commentator Nicholas on his 'Not Just Cricket' podcast, whether he had suffered from depression during India's tour of England in 2014, Kohli answered "Yes, I did".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kohli had returned with scores of&nbsp;1, 8, 25, 0, 39, 28, 0,7, 6 and 20 in five Tests, averaging 13.50 in his 10 innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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"...it's not a great feeling to wake up knowing that you won't be able to score runs and I think all batsmen have felt that at some stage that you are not in control of anything at all," he recalled.&nbsp;

However, showing his class, Kohli roared back to form in India's next immediate assignment – a tour of Australia – where he hammered 692 runs in the Test series.&nbsp;

"You just don't understand how to get over it. That was a phase when I literally couldn't do anything to overturn things...I felt like I was the loneliest guy in the world," he said of the England tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Personally, for me, that was a revelation that you could feel that lonely even though you a part of a big group. I won't say I didn't have people who I could speak to but not having a professional to speak to who could understand what I am going through completely, I think is a huge factor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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"I think I would like to see it change,” Kohli responded as he said that mental health issues should be an important topic in everyone's life.&nbsp;

"Someone whom you can go to at any stage, have a conversation around and say 'Listen this is what I am feeling, I am finding it hard to even go to sleep, I feel like I don't want to wake up in the morning. I have no confidence in myself, what do I do?'&nbsp;

"Lot of people suffer with that feeling for longer periods of time, it carries on for months, it carries on for a whole cricket season, people are not able to get out of it," Kohli said.&nbsp;

"I strongly feel the need for professional help there to be very honest," he added.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;

Virat Kohli, who is regarded as one of the best batsmen to have ever played cricket, has opened up about his battle with depression during India's tour of England, where the swashbuckling batsman went through the worst form of his life.

Virat Kohli, who is regarded as one of the best batsmen to have ever played cricket, has opened up about his battle with depression during India's tour of England, where the swashbuckling batsman went through the worst form of his life. The Indian skipper has revealed how he felt he was the "loneliest guy in the world" as he narrated his struggle during India's tour of England in 2014, where he averaged a mere 13.50 in 10 innings – his lowest in a series with more than three Tests. When asked by former England first-class cricketer and a renowned commentator Nicholas on his 'Not Just Cricket' podcast, whether he had suffered from depression during India's tour of England in 2014, Kohli answered "Yes, I did". Kohli had returned with scores of 1, 8, 25, 0, 39, 28, 0,7, 6 and 20 in five Tests, averaging 13.50 in his 10 innings. ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan, Mahela Jayawardene open up on Mumbai Indians signing Arjun Tendulkar "...it's not a great feeling to wake up knowing that you won't be able to score runs and I think all batsmen have felt that at some stage that you are not in control of anything at all," he recalled. However, showing his class, Kohli roared back to form in India's next immediate assignment – a tour of Australia – where he hammered 692 runs in the Test series. "You just don't understand how to get over it. That was a phase when I literally couldn't do anything to overturn things...I felt like I was the loneliest guy in the world," he said of the England tour. "Personally, for me, that was a revelation that you could feel that lonely even though you a part of a big group. I won't say I didn't have people who I could speak to but not having a professional to speak to who could understand what I am going through completely, I think is a huge factor. ALSO READ: IPL Auction 2021: Complete players list of all eight squads "I think I would like to see it change,” Kohli responded as he said that mental health issues should be an important topic in everyone's life. "Someone whom you can go to at any stage, have a conversation around and say 'Listen this is what I am feeling, I am finding it hard to even go to sleep, I feel like I don't want to wake up in the morning. I have no confidence in myself, what do I do?' "Lot of people suffer with that feeling for longer periods of time, it carries on for months, it carries on for a whole cricket season, people are not able to get out of it," Kohli said. "I strongly feel the need for professional help there to be very honest," he added. (With PTI inputs)

'Felt like the loneliest guy': Virat Kohli opens up on battle with depression