The head coach of the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri has said he would prefer to play a bilateral series instead of a full-fledged T20 World Cup after cricket comes to life post-lockdown. As far as&nbsp;live sport is concerned, Shastri has set his priorities clear whenever cricket resumes in the near future.

Shastri said that the last couple of months will be counted as most horrible phase in a sportsperson’s life while adding the ‘only consolation perhaps is that cricketers or sportspersons in general are not the only ones who’ve been left shattered by what’s happening. The world, in general, is suffering, waiting for normalcy to resume”.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sourav-ganguly-bcci-to-suffer-loss-to-the-tune-of-rs-4000-crore-if-ipl-2020-is-cancelled-298823" hreflang="en">Sourav Ganguly: BCCI to suffer loss to the tune of Rs 4000 crore if IPL 2020 is cancelled</a>

“The last two months, and a couple of more going forward perhaps, will count as the most horrible phase in the life of a sportsperson in close to seven or eight decades. Something like this is unimaginable,” Shastri was quoted as saying by a leading daily.

Apart from a few bilateral series, the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 is scheduled to be held in immediate future as far as cricket is concerned. However, for Shastri, the priority is to ensure domestic cricket and international cricket comes back to the field. As far as showpiece events like the T20 World Cup go, Shastri is completely against the idea of a multi-team tournament and wants cricket to come back to life with bilateral series in place.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/led-walls-in-stadiums-with-vr-fans-during-ipl-2020-kkr-ceo-venky-mysore-comes-up-with-unique-idea-298832" hreflang="en">LED walls in stadiums with VR fans during IPL 2020? KKR CEO Venky Mysore comes up with unique idea</a>

“I wouldn’t put too much emphasis on world events right now. Stay at home, ensure domestic cricket comes back to normal, cricketers at all levels — international, First Class, etc — all get back on the field. That’s the most important bit.&nbsp;

“Second: Start with bilateral cricket. If we (India) had to choose between hosting a World Cup and a bilateral tour, obviously, we’d settle for the bilateral. Instead of 15 teams flying in, we’d settle for one team flying in and playing an entire bilateral series at one or two grounds,” Shastri asserted. 
&nbsp;

The head coach of the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri has said he would prefer to play a bilateral series instead of a full-fledged T20 World Cup after cricket comes to life post-lockdown.

The head coach of the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri has said he would prefer to play a bilateral series instead of a full-fledged T20 World Cup after cricket comes to life post-lockdown. As far as live sport is concerned, Shastri has set his priorities clear whenever cricket resumes in the near future. Shastri said that the last couple of months will be counted as most horrible phase in a sportsperson’s life while adding the ‘only consolation perhaps is that cricketers or sportspersons in general are not the only ones who’ve been left shattered by what’s happening. The world, in general, is suffering, waiting for normalcy to resume”. ALSO READ: Sourav Ganguly: BCCI to suffer loss to the tune of Rs 4000 crore if IPL 2020 is cancelled “The last two months, and a couple of more going forward perhaps, will count as the most horrible phase in the life of a sportsperson in close to seven or eight decades. Something like this is unimaginable,” Shastri was quoted as saying by a leading daily. Apart from a few bilateral series, the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 is scheduled to be held in immediate future as far as cricket is concerned. However, for Shastri, the priority is to ensure domestic cricket and international cricket comes back to the field. As far as showpiece events like the T20 World Cup go, Shastri is completely against the idea of a multi-team tournament and wants cricket to come back to life with bilateral series in place. ALSO READ: LED walls in stadiums with VR fans during IPL 2020? KKR CEO Venky Mysore comes up with unique idea “I wouldn’t put too much emphasis on world events right now. Stay at home, ensure domestic cricket comes back to normal, cricketers at all levels — international, First Class, etc — all get back on the field. That’s the most important bit. “Second: Start with bilateral cricket. If we (India) had to choose between hosting a World Cup and a bilateral tour, obviously, we’d settle for the bilateral. Instead of 15 teams flying in, we’d settle for one team flying in and playing an entire bilateral series at one or two grounds,” Shastri asserted.

Start with bilateral cricket, instead of World Cup: Ravi Shastri on resumption of gentlemen's game

India's Board Control of Cricket in India(BCCI) today released the list of players in the annual player retainership of the year for the senior team. The list had renewed contracts for the players.&nbsp;

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The BCCI announces the Annual Player Contracts for Team India (Senior Men) for the period from October 2019 to September 2020. 
 
Saini, Mayank, Shreyas, Washington and Deepak Chahar get annual player contracts. 
 
More details here - <a href="https://t.co/84iIn1vs9B">https://t.co/84iIn1vs9B</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/S6ZPq7FBt1">pic.twitter.com/S6ZPq7FBt1</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1217724563271774208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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India's World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni,38,&nbsp;was dropped from the list. According to ANI sources, Dhoni was given a heads up before this decision.

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Sources: MS Dhoni was informed that he won't be given BCCI's central contact, before the decision was announced today. A player needs to play a minimum of three T20 matches in a particular season to be eligible for BCCI central contract. <a href="https://t.co/FHYfvA1PEc">pic.twitter.com/FHYfvA1PEc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1217756983203221504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Captain cool"&nbsp;has not played for India since appearing for Team India in the World Cup semi-finals against New Zealand in England last summer.&nbsp;

A few days ago coach Ravi Shastri had spilt&nbsp;the beans regarding Dhoni's future, saying that at his age he should focus on&nbsp;T20Is.&nbsp;He has retired from Test cricket.

Dhoni was in "A category" - players in this bracket earn Rs 5 crore.&nbsp;MS Dhoni has played 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and &nbsp;98 T20I.&nbsp;

Skipper Virat Kohli, Indian vice-captain Rohit Sharma, and top spearhead pacer Jasprit Bumrah have been retained in the highest A+ bracket of Rs 7 crore. Among others, batsman K L Rahul has been promoted from B grade to A.

&nbsp;

BCCI's present List:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Grade A+ (7 crores): Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah.

Grade A (5 crores): Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, K L Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant.

Grade B (3 crores): Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik Pandya, Mayank Agarwal.

Grade C (1 crore): Kedar Jadhav, Navdeep Saini, Deepak Chahar, Manish Pandey, Hanuma Vihari, Shardul Thakur, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar.

India's Board Control of Cricket in India(BCCI) today released the list of players in the annual player retainership of the year for the senior team. The list had renewed contracts for the players.

India's Board Control of Cricket in India(BCCI) today released the list of players in the annual player retainership of the year for the senior team. The list had renewed contracts for the players. The BCCI announces the Annual Player Contracts for Team India (Senior Men) for the period from October 2019 to September 2020. Saini, Mayank, Shreyas, Washington and Deepak Chahar get annual player contracts. More details here - https://t.co/84iIn1vs9B #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/S6ZPq7FBt1 — BCCI (@BCCI) January 16, 2020 × India's World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni,38, was dropped from the list. According to ANI sources, Dhoni was given a heads up before this decision. Sources: MS Dhoni was informed that he won't be given BCCI's central contact, before the decision was announced today. A player needs to play a minimum of three T20 matches in a particular season to be eligible for BCCI central contract. pic.twitter.com/FHYfvA1PEc — ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2020 × "Captain cool" has not played for India since appearing for Team India in the World Cup semi-finals against New Zealand in England last summer. A few days ago coach Ravi Shastri had spilt the beans regarding Dhoni's future, saying that at his age he should focus on T20Is. He has retired from Test cricket. Dhoni was in "A category" - players in this bracket earn Rs 5 crore. MS Dhoni has played 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20I. Skipper Virat Kohli, Indian vice-captain Rohit Sharma, and top spearhead pacer Jasprit Bumrah have been retained in the highest A+ bracket of Rs 7 crore. Among others, batsman K L Rahul has been promoted from B grade to A. BCCI's present List: Grade A+ (7 crores): Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah. Grade A (5 crores): Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, K L Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant. Grade B (3 crores): Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik Pandya, Mayank Agarwal. Grade C (1 crore): Kedar Jadhav, Navdeep Saini, Deepak Chahar, Manish Pandey, Hanuma Vihari, Shardul Thakur, Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar.

BCCI drops Dhoni in central contract list for players

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../dhoni-may-retire-from-odis-soon-ravi-shastri- 273336">Team&nbsp;India</a> are set to face Sri Lanka for the third and final T20I match of the series. This match will be played in Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. India already leads the series with 1-0. Sri Lanka will be looking forward to win this match to prevent the second consecutive series defeat.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan the Number 1 side in terms of T20I, have found their form a bit sticky after their series against Australia and now India.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's batting problem and injuries have led the team to lose past four played T20I matches. (First T20I match was abandoned due to rain against India).

In the second T20I, despite having a batting pitch in Indore, Sri Lanka scored underwhelming 142/9, to which India's reply was 144/3 in just 17.3 overs.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-t20i-india-thrash-sri-lanka-by-7-wickets-in-the-second-t20i-take-1-0-lead-272801">India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I: India thrash Sri Lanka by 7 wickets in the second T20I, take 1-0 lead</a>

Lanka are&nbsp;struggling to find it's way past in the upcoming T20I World Cup, that's scheduled later this year.

To prevent 5th straight loss, and a second successive series defeat they need to work a plan out in today's match. The last time they played in Pune was a T20I in 2016 when India crumbled down to a low total and managed to win an easy victory.&nbsp;

India did not do a single mistake in the previous T20I match, they could easily chase down the score. But still, they have to play against a stronger team to ensure they're a smooth World Cup run. Rohit Sharma has been given a well-needed rest for this series. In terms of KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan, it looks like KL Rahul edges past Dhawan in terms of number and form.

It looks like Virat Kohli giving his Number 3 slot to Shreyas Iyer could be a part of a Plan B, for the World Cup. India is trying to get its top 5 in the batting order stronger, with the help of modern batsmen like Manish Pandey and Sanju Samson.&nbsp;

Weather conditions seem to be perfect in Pune as of now, though it had a cloudy Thursday, today began with a bright sun. The pitch looks favourable for the bowlers.&nbsp;

Indian Squad remains unchanged until the last moment of injury.

Probable XI: KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Jasprit Bumrah

Whereas Sri Lanka may have few changes looking at the condition and based on strengthing their batting order, they have decided to drop Isuru Udana, pacer Kasun Rajitha could be played. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../cricket-sri-lanka-includes-angelo-mathews-for- t20i-series-against-india-271564">Angelo Mathews</a> was seen for a nets session

Probable XI: Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera (wk), Oshada Fernando/Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kasun Rajitha/Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Malinga (C), Lahiru Kumara&nbsp;

India are the favourites to win this match citing the conditions and the form of both the teams, but cricket is the game of unexpected turn of events.&nbsp;

Teams:

India Squad: Lokesh Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Manish Pandey, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sanju Samson

Sri Lanka Squad: Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera(w), Oshada Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lasith Malinga(c), Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan 
&nbsp;

Team India are set to face Sri Lanka for the third and final T20I match of the series. This match will be played in Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune.

Team India are set to face Sri Lanka for the third and final T20I match of the series. This match will be played in Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. India already leads the series with 1-0. Sri Lanka will be looking forward to win this match to prevent the second consecutive series defeat. Sri Lanka beat Pakistan the Number 1 side in terms of T20I, have found their form a bit sticky after their series against Australia and now India. Sri Lanka's batting problem and injuries have led the team to lose past four played T20I matches. (First T20I match was abandoned due to rain against India). In the second T20I, despite having a batting pitch in Indore, Sri Lanka scored underwhelming 142/9, to which India's reply was 144/3 in just 17.3 overs. Also Read: India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I: India thrash Sri Lanka by 7 wickets in the second T20I, take 1-0 lead Lanka are struggling to find it's way past in the upcoming T20I World Cup, that's scheduled later this year. To prevent 5th straight loss, and a second successive series defeat they need to work a plan out in today's match. The last time they played in Pune was a T20I in 2016 when India crumbled down to a low total and managed to win an easy victory. India did not do a single mistake in the previous T20I match, they could easily chase down the score. But still, they have to play against a stronger team to ensure they're a smooth World Cup run. Rohit Sharma has been given a well-needed rest for this series. In terms of KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan, it looks like KL Rahul edges past Dhawan in terms of number and form. It looks like Virat Kohli giving his Number 3 slot to Shreyas Iyer could be a part of a Plan B, for the World Cup. India is trying to get its top 5 in the batting order stronger, with the help of modern batsmen like Manish Pandey and Sanju Samson. Weather conditions seem to be perfect in Pune as of now, though it had a cloudy Thursday, today began with a bright sun. The pitch looks favourable for the bowlers. Indian Squad remains unchanged until the last moment of injury. Probable XI: KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Jasprit Bumrah Whereas Sri Lanka may have few changes looking at the condition and based on strengthing their batting order, they have decided to drop Isuru Udana, pacer Kasun Rajitha could be played. Angelo Mathews was seen for a nets session Probable XI: Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera (wk), Oshada Fernando/Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kasun Rajitha/Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Malinga (C), Lahiru Kumara India are the favourites to win this match citing the conditions and the form of both the teams, but cricket is the game of unexpected turn of events. Teams: India Squad: Lokesh Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Manish Pandey, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sanju Samson Sri Lanka Squad: Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera(w), Oshada Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lasith Malinga(c), Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan

Ind vs SL 3rd T20I: Can visitors pose a challenge to mighty India- Preview

Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri revealed on Thursday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../ms-dhoni-visits-team-india-at-jsca-stadium- complex-in-ranchi-257464">MS Dhoni</a> may soon end his prolific ODI career, but may still be keen on playing T20Is.&nbsp;

Dhoni, who was deemed as 'Captain Cool', has not donned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-t20i-india-thrash-sri- lanka-by-7-wickets-in-the-second-t20i-take-1-0-lead-272801">Indian team</a> Jersey since the semi-final defeat against New Zealand, where he was run out following a half-century. He went on to train with 106 TA Battalion (Para) in Jammu and Kashmir for two weeks and missed the West Indies Series.

"He has finished (playing) test match cricket. In all probability, he will finish one-day cricket. At his age I think, the only format he will want to play is T20," Shastri told a TV news channel.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/looking-forward-to-seeing-our-indian-fans-warner-ahead-of-odi-series-273103">Looking forward to seeing our Indian fans: David Warner ahead of ODI series</a>

Dhoni is one of the most successful captains for the Indian team as he has led the Indian team to win every ICC trophy across the globe.&nbsp;

Ravi Shastri was looking forward to Dhoni's performance in the IPL that will help them set the tone on what Dhoni's future will look like.&nbsp;

"If he feels, when he comes back, that something is not right, he will quit...But if he has a cracking IPL season then, you know..." said Shastri.&nbsp;

He added that it's the selector's job in the end, and if he plays well in IPL he would put himself into the contention.

MS Dhoni has had one of the best ODI careers as an individual, scoring 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries with an average of 50.6.

Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri revealed on Thursday that MS Dhoni may soon end his prolific ODI career, but may still be keen on playing T20Is. Dhoni, who was deemed as 'Captain Cool', has not donned the Indian team Jersey since the semi-final defeat against New Zealand, where he was run out following a half-century.

Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri revealed on Thursday that MS Dhoni may soon end his prolific ODI career, but may still be keen on playing T20Is. Dhoni, who was deemed as 'Captain Cool', has not donned the Indian team Jersey since the semi-final defeat against New Zealand, where he was run out following a half-century. He went on to train with 106 TA Battalion (Para) in Jammu and Kashmir for two weeks and missed the West Indies Series. "He has finished (playing) test match cricket. In all probability, he will finish one-day cricket. At his age I think, the only format he will want to play is T20," Shastri told a TV news channel. Also Read: Looking forward to seeing our Indian fans: David Warner ahead of ODI series Dhoni is one of the most successful captains for the Indian team as he has led the Indian team to win every ICC trophy across the globe. Ravi Shastri was looking forward to Dhoni's performance in the IPL that will help them set the tone on what Dhoni's future will look like. "If he feels, when he comes back, that something is not right, he will quit...But if he has a cracking IPL season then, you know..." said Shastri. He added that it's the selector's job in the end, and if he plays well in IPL he would put himself into the contention. MS Dhoni has had one of the best ODI careers as an individual, scoring 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries with an average of 50.6.

MS Dhoni may retire from ODIs soon: Ravi Shastri

Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday visited team India's dressing room here at JSCA Stadium Complex and interacted with the players. 
 
The third and final Test of India and South Africa was played in Ranchi, which is also Dhoni's hometown. 
 
India won the final Test of the three-match series by an innings and 202 runs to whitewash South Africa 3-0 at JSCA Stadium Complex. 
 
India required two wickets on the fourth day of the Test. South Africa resumed their innings from 132/8 and was only able to add one run to their scoreboard as India bowled out visitors to 133 after enforcing the follow-on. 
 
Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Shahbaz Nadeem scalped the last two wickets of Proteas. With this win, India managed to clean sweep South Africa in a Test series for the first time. 
 
Soon after the win, The Board of Control for Cricket tweeted a picture in which Dhoni can be seen sharing some tips with Debutant Nadeem. 
 
India head coach Ravi Shastri also shared a picture of him with Dhoni and said, "Great to see a true Indian legend in his den after a fantastic series win." 
 
Dhoni has not played any game since India's semifinal exit from the ICC World Cup. He made himself unavailable for West Indies tour and also for home series against South Africa.

Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday visited team India's dressing room here at JSCA Stadium Complex and interacted with the players. The third and final Test of India and South Africa was played in Ranchi, which is also Dhoni's hometown.

Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday visited team India's dressing room here at JSCA Stadium Complex and interacted with the players. The third and final Test of India and South Africa was played in Ranchi, which is also Dhoni's hometown. India won the final Test of the three-match series by an innings and 202 runs to whitewash South Africa 3-0 at JSCA Stadium Complex. India required two wickets on the fourth day of the Test. South Africa resumed their innings from 132/8 and was only able to add one run to their scoreboard as India bowled out visitors to 133 after enforcing the follow-on. Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Shahbaz Nadeem scalped the last two wickets of Proteas. With this win, India managed to clean sweep South Africa in a Test series for the first time. Soon after the win, The Board of Control for Cricket tweeted a picture in which Dhoni can be seen sharing some tips with Debutant Nadeem. India head coach Ravi Shastri also shared a picture of him with Dhoni and said, "Great to see a true Indian legend in his den after a fantastic series win." Dhoni has not played any game since India's semifinal exit from the ICC World Cup. He made himself unavailable for West Indies tour and also for home series against South Africa.

MS Dhoni visits Team India at JSCA Stadium Complex in Ranchi

India's newly appointed batting coach Vikram Rathour has joined head coach Ravi Shastri in demanding more discipline from exciting stumper-batsman Rishabh Pant.

Pant's six-hitting ability makes him a limited-overs asset, but Shastri in a recent interview said the 21-year-old's penchant for throwing away his wicket has occasionally let the team down.

The Delhi player is perceived as Mahendra Singh Dhoni's natural successor in limited-overs cricket when the former captain eventually hangs up his gloves, but Rathour insisted Pant must improve his shot selection.

"Rishabh is a phenomenal player, no doubt about that," Rathour told reporters in Mohali ahead of the second Twenty20 International against South Africa on Wednesday.

"Of course he needs to sort out his gameplan a little more. He needs to bring in a little bit of discipline to his cricket."

With next year's Twenty20 World Cup in mind, Rathour extended the message to all young members of the side that fearless cricket did not mean reckless cricket.

"What the team management is asking from them is fearless cricket - having clear gameplans and playing with intent, backing your strengths. At the same time, you cannot be careless," the former India opener said.

"I'm sure they are smart enough to understand that."

India will also play three tests against South Africa next month, when limited-overs stalwart Rohit Sharma may reinvent himself as a test opener.

Rohit smashed a record five centuries at this year's 50-overs World Cup, but the white-ball stalwart has managed only 27 sporadic test appearances.

Rathour said 32-year-old Rohit has the game to succeed across formats, which would be a massive boost for the side.

"He has done so well as an opener in white ball cricket, so I don’t see any reason why he can’t do well in red ball cricket as well, provided we provide him enough opportunities," Rathour said.

"If he comes good, it will be a huge asset for the team. Somebody of his experience, the kind of cricket he plays - if he plays at the top of the order, it will be a huge thing."

India's newly appointed batting coach Vikram Rathour has joined head coach Ravi Shastri in demanding more discipline from exciting stumper-batsman Rishabh Pant. Pant's six-hitting ability makes him a limited-overs asset, but Shastri in a recent interview said the 21-year-old's penchant for throwing away his wicket has occasionally let the team down.

India's newly appointed batting coach Vikram Rathour has joined head coach Ravi Shastri in demanding more discipline from exciting stumper-batsman Rishabh Pant. Pant's six-hitting ability makes him a limited-overs asset, but Shastri in a recent interview said the 21-year-old's penchant for throwing away his wicket has occasionally let the team down. The Delhi player is perceived as Mahendra Singh Dhoni's natural successor in limited-overs cricket when the former captain eventually hangs up his gloves, but Rathour insisted Pant must improve his shot selection. "Rishabh is a phenomenal player, no doubt about that," Rathour told reporters in Mohali ahead of the second Twenty20 International against South Africa on Wednesday. "Of course he needs to sort out his gameplan a little more. He needs to bring in a little bit of discipline to his cricket." With next year's Twenty20 World Cup in mind, Rathour extended the message to all young members of the side that fearless cricket did not mean reckless cricket. "What the team management is asking from them is fearless cricket - having clear gameplans and playing with intent, backing your strengths. At the same time, you cannot be careless," the former India opener said. "I'm sure they are smart enough to understand that." India will also play three tests against South Africa next month, when limited-overs stalwart Rohit Sharma may reinvent himself as a test opener. Rohit smashed a record five centuries at this year's 50-overs World Cup, but the white-ball stalwart has managed only 27 sporadic test appearances. Rathour said 32-year-old Rohit has the game to succeed across formats, which would be a massive boost for the side. "He has done so well as an opener in white ball cricket, so I don’t see any reason why he can’t do well in red ball cricket as well, provided we provide him enough opportunities," Rathour said. "If he comes good, it will be a huge asset for the team. Somebody of his experience, the kind of cricket he plays - if he plays at the top of the order, it will be a huge thing."

India want 'phenomenal' Rishabh Pant to match daredevil batting with discipline

Around the time that news broke from inside the corridors of the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai that Sanjay Bangar had all but lost his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-opener-vikram-rathour-set-to-replace-sanjay-bangar-as-indias-batting-coach-244929">position of batting coach</a> of the Indian cricket team, visuals of Bangar on the balcony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at North Sound, Antigua were shown during the first Test against West Indies.

The former India allrounder sat between Bharat Arun and Ravi Shastri, India’s bowling coach and head coach respectively, each of whom have kept their jobs. Standing next to Shastri was India skipper Virat Kohli.

It is now known whether Bangar – who also serves as India’s assistant coach – knew at the time that he was, in all probability, out of a job come the end of India’s tour of the West Indies next month. The BCCI selection committee had unanimously chosen former India Test opener and national selector Vikram Rathour as the next batting coach of the national team. Only formalities remain to confirm Rathour, 50, as the man to coach India’s batsmen from the home series against South Africa in September until the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup.

Arun aside, the other specialist coach in the Indian team setup, fielding coach R Sridhar, also had his contract renewed for two years on Thursday.

That means that only Bangar lost his job.

When asked by reporters in Mumbai why Bangar, who has been with the Indian team as batting coach since 2014, when he joined Shastri, Arun and Sridhar in a clean-up job by the BCCI, the chief selector MSK Prasad did not provide a specific reason.

“In the last five years, there is definitely some amount of improvement. Looking ahead, with the Test Championship coming up and two T20 World Cups, we thought that there should be freshness in the department. That’s the reason why we went ahead with Vikram Rathour as first choice,” he said.

The obvious question is, was Bangar made the scapegoat for India’s batting frailties during the 2019 World Cup, which culminated in defeat to New Zealand in the semi-final?

The “freshness” in the batting theory, which Prasad touched upon but did not elaborate on, will not set well with everyone. Such decisions rarely do.

It can be argued that since Bangar, Arun and Sridhar all came on board together in 2014, under Shastri, why weren’t the other two assistant coaches removed from their roles?

CricketCountry has learnt that the decision to replace Bangar was taken because the selectors were in agreement that a new pair of eyes were needed on India’s current crop of batsmen. With regards to Arun, the overall feeling was that the rise of India’s fast bowlers since he took over as bowling coach augured extremely well and that relationship should be continued with. Indeed, there has never been a pace pool like Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav all in the same squad, and the success of these bowlers has helped India become No 1 in Tests.

India’s bowling unit is apparently closer to Arun than the batsmen are to Bangar, and there is a view within the management that coaching bowlers is more technical than coaching batsmen. Hence the decision to continue with the same rhythm in place.

In regards to Sridhar’s reappointment, the rising standards of India’s fielding – even though the team’s slip cordon in Tests has issues still – merited his continuation.

As it stands, India’s support staff will be finalised by the end of August but the catch is that Rathour has to declare any cases of a conflict of interest, otherwise Bangar will be re-appointed.

Rathour, who averaged 13.10 from six Tests and 49.66 from 146 first-class matches, had earlier this year been recommended to the BCCI by Rahul Dravid, the coach of India A and India Under-19s, who wanted the former Punjab batsman and qualified coach on board as a batting coach.

In February, Rathour was named as the batting coach of India A and U-19 teams and then in May, was roped in as the head coach of India A. But on both occasions, his appointment was cancelled by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) after the acting BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary sent a note of dissent citing the conflict of interest.

Rathour is the brother-in-law of Aashish Kapoor, the former India offspinner currently serving as chairman of India’s junior selection committee, and a cousin of Anurag Thakur, the former BCCI president and the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association president. Rathour, after his Punjab career ended, played for Himachal Pradesh.

It is learnt that Rathour’s case was apparently pushed by for Anurag Thakur, because on paper the former India opener’s CV does not make for impressing reading even though he is a qualified coach. On Thursday, the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri dismissed any conflict of interest claims, as you would expect him to.

As with Indian cricket, nothing is straightforward and the fate of Bangar and Rathour is not decided.

For now, keep an eye on Bangar if you spot him on TV again during the ongoing Test series.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on Cricket Country. Read the <a href="https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/indias-batting-coach-vikram-rathour-over-sanjay-bangar-might-be-unanimous-but-its-not-straightforward-883102">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

Around the time that news broke from inside the corridors of the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai that Sanjay Bangar had all but lost his position of batting coach of the Indian cricket team, visuals of Bangar on the balcony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at North Sound, Antigua were shown during the first Test against West Indies.

Around the time that news broke from inside the corridors of the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai that Sanjay Bangar had all but lost his position of batting coach of the Indian cricket team, visuals of Bangar on the balcony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at North Sound, Antigua were shown during the first Test against West Indies. The former India allrounder sat between Bharat Arun and Ravi Shastri, India’s bowling coach and head coach respectively, each of whom have kept their jobs. Standing next to Shastri was India skipper Virat Kohli. It is now known whether Bangar – who also serves as India’s assistant coach – knew at the time that he was, in all probability, out of a job come the end of India’s tour of the West Indies next month. The BCCI selection committee had unanimously chosen former India Test opener and national selector Vikram Rathour as the next batting coach of the national team. Only formalities remain to confirm Rathour, 50, as the man to coach India’s batsmen from the home series against South Africa in September until the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. Arun aside, the other specialist coach in the Indian team setup, fielding coach R Sridhar, also had his contract renewed for two years on Thursday. That means that only Bangar lost his job. When asked by reporters in Mumbai why Bangar, who has been with the Indian team as batting coach since 2014, when he joined Shastri, Arun and Sridhar in a clean-up job by the BCCI, the chief selector MSK Prasad did not provide a specific reason. “In the last five years, there is definitely some amount of improvement. Looking ahead, with the Test Championship coming up and two T20 World Cups, we thought that there should be freshness in the department. That’s the reason why we went ahead with Vikram Rathour as first choice,” he said. The obvious question is, was Bangar made the scapegoat for India’s batting frailties during the 2019 World Cup, which culminated in defeat to New Zealand in the semi-final? The “freshness” in the batting theory, which Prasad touched upon but did not elaborate on, will not set well with everyone. Such decisions rarely do. It can be argued that since Bangar, Arun and Sridhar all came on board together in 2014, under Shastri, why weren’t the other two assistant coaches removed from their roles? CricketCountry has learnt that the decision to replace Bangar was taken because the selectors were in agreement that a new pair of eyes were needed on India’s current crop of batsmen. With regards to Arun, the overall feeling was that the rise of India’s fast bowlers since he took over as bowling coach augured extremely well and that relationship should be continued with. Indeed, there has never been a pace pool like Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav all in the same squad, and the success of these bowlers has helped India become No 1 in Tests. India’s bowling unit is apparently closer to Arun than the batsmen are to Bangar, and there is a view within the management that coaching bowlers is more technical than coaching batsmen. Hence the decision to continue with the same rhythm in place. In regards to Sridhar’s reappointment, the rising standards of India’s fielding – even though the team’s slip cordon in Tests has issues still – merited his continuation. As it stands, India’s support staff will be finalised by the end of August but the catch is that Rathour has to declare any cases of a conflict of interest, otherwise Bangar will be re-appointed. Rathour, who averaged 13.10 from six Tests and 49.66 from 146 first-class matches, had earlier this year been recommended to the BCCI by Rahul Dravid, the coach of India A and India Under-19s, who wanted the former Punjab batsman and qualified coach on board as a batting coach. In February, Rathour was named as the batting coach of India A and U-19 teams and then in May, was roped in as the head coach of India A. But on both occasions, his appointment was cancelled by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) after the acting BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary sent a note of dissent citing the conflict of interest. Rathour is the brother-in-law of Aashish Kapoor, the former India offspinner currently serving as chairman of India’s junior selection committee, and a cousin of Anurag Thakur, the former BCCI president and the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association president. Rathour, after his Punjab career ended, played for Himachal Pradesh. It is learnt that Rathour’s case was apparently pushed by for Anurag Thakur, because on paper the former India opener’s CV does not make for impressing reading even though he is a qualified coach. On Thursday, the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri dismissed any conflict of interest claims, as you would expect him to. As with Indian cricket, nothing is straightforward and the fate of Bangar and Rathour is not decided. For now, keep an eye on Bangar if you spot him on TV again during the ongoing Test series. (This article was originally published on Cricket Country. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India's batting coach: Vikram Rathour over Sanjay Bangar might be unanimous, but it's not straightforward

Highlights of Ravi Shastri's first tenure as Team India's head coach

Ravi Shastri has been re-appointed&nbsp;as the head coach of India's men's cricket team&nbsp;ahead of Australia's Tom Moody and New Zealand's Mike Hesson.&nbsp;It has been learnt that he will be at the helm till the 2021 World T20.&nbsp;

The three-member Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad and Shantha Rangaswamy interviewed the candidates and announced the result today.&nbsp;

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Kapil Dev, Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC): Ravi Shastri to continue as Indian Cricket Team's (Senior Men) Head Coach <a href="https://t.co/3ubXMz4hn3">pic.twitter.com/3ubXMz4hn3</a>
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After the ICC World Cup 2019, Shastri and his support staff's tenure came to an end but they were given a 45-day extension till the end of the West Indies tour.&nbsp;

On August 12, BCCI had shortlisted six candidates the same. Three former Indian cricketers — Ravi Shastri, Lalchand Rajput and Robin Singh were shortlisted for the post and foreign shortlisted candidates were Mike Hesson, Tom Moody and Phil Simmons.&nbsp;

<meta charset="utf-8" />

Shashtri was an all-rounder best known as part of the India's World Cup-winning squad in 1983 and his man of the series performance in India's World Championship triumph in Australia in 1985.&nbsp;

He was also team director from 2014 to 2016.&nbsp;

Shastri&nbsp;played 80 Tests and 150 one-day internationals for India before becoming a successful TV commentator.

Ravi Shastri has been re-appointed as the head coach of India's men's cricket team ahead of Australia's Tom Moody and New Zealand's Mike Hesson. It has been learnt that he will be at the helm till the 2021 World T20.

Ravi Shastri has been re-appointed as the head coach of India's men's cricket team ahead of Australia's Tom Moody and New Zealand's Mike Hesson. It has been learnt that he will be at the helm till the 2021 World T20. The three-member Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad and Shantha Rangaswamy interviewed the candidates and announced the result today. Kapil Dev, Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC): Ravi Shastri to continue as Indian Cricket Team's (Senior Men) Head Coach pic.twitter.com/3ubXMz4hn3 — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2019 × After the ICC World Cup 2019, Shastri and his support staff's tenure came to an end but they were given a 45-day extension till the end of the West Indies tour. On August 12, BCCI had shortlisted six candidates the same. Three former Indian cricketers — Ravi Shastri, Lalchand Rajput and Robin Singh were shortlisted for the post and foreign shortlisted candidates were Mike Hesson, Tom Moody and Phil Simmons. Shashtri was an all-rounder best known as part of the India's World Cup-winning squad in 1983 and his man of the series performance in India's World Championship triumph in Australia in 1985. He was also team director from 2014 to 2016. Shastri played 80 Tests and 150 one-day internationals for India before becoming a successful TV commentator.

Ravi Shastri to continue as head coach of India's men's cricket team

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-pre-departure-press-conference-by-indian-team-ahead-of-west-indies-tour-238984">Indian skipper Virat Kohli</a> on Monday said that will be very happy if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-invites-applications-for-mens-head-coach-to-replace-ravi-shastri-236389">Ravi Shastri continues to be team head coach</a>.

"The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) hasn't contacted me yet. If they want my opinion, I'll go and speak to them. With Ravi Bhai, we share a great camaraderie, and will definitely be very happy if he continues. But I haven't been contacted so far," Kohli told reporters before leaving for West Indies.

The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) has invited applications for the position of the head coach for the men's cricket team, which has been held by foreign coaches in 15 out of the last 17 years.

In a statement, the BCCI said it was inviting applications for the positions of head coach, batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach, physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach as well as an administrative manager.

Former India all-rounder Shastri was appointed in 2017 and succeeded former captain Anil Kumble, who stepped down after a falling out with skipper Virat Kohli despite a successful run while in charge of the team.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/after-shastri-who-foreign-coaches-who-can-help-power-indias-world-cup-dream-in-2023-236472#ravi-shastris-term-ends-236388">Also see:&nbsp;After Shastri who? Foreign coaches who can help power India's World Cup dream in 2023</a>

Under Shastri's guidance, India won a maiden Test series in Australia earlier this year and are ranked number one in the world in the format.

The contract of the current coaching staff is set to expire after the tour of the West Indies starting August 3, where India play three T20 internationals, three ODIs and two Tests.

The deadline for the applications end on July 30.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Monday said that will be very happy if Ravi Shastri continues to be team head coach. "The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) hasn't contacted me yet.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Monday said that will be very happy if Ravi Shastri continues to be team head coach. "The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) hasn't contacted me yet. If they want my opinion, I'll go and speak to them. With Ravi Bhai, we share a great camaraderie, and will definitely be very happy if he continues. But I haven't been contacted so far," Kohli told reporters before leaving for West Indies. The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) has invited applications for the position of the head coach for the men's cricket team, which has been held by foreign coaches in 15 out of the last 17 years. In a statement, the BCCI said it was inviting applications for the positions of head coach, batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach, physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach as well as an administrative manager. Former India all-rounder Shastri was appointed in 2017 and succeeded former captain Anil Kumble, who stepped down after a falling out with skipper Virat Kohli despite a successful run while in charge of the team. Also see: After Shastri who? Foreign coaches who can help power India's World Cup dream in 2023 Under Shastri's guidance, India won a maiden Test series in Australia earlier this year and are ranked number one in the world in the format. The contract of the current coaching staff is set to expire after the tour of the West Indies starting August 3, where India play three T20 internationals, three ODIs and two Tests. The deadline for the applications end on July 30.

Will be happy to have Ravi bhai as coach, will tell CAC: Virat Kohli

Former India cricketers Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad, and Shantha Rangaswamy will constitute the Cricket Advisory Committee entrusted to pick the head coach for the Men In Blue.&nbsp;

The three-member committee is subject to be clear of any conflict of interest, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief Vinod Rai confirmed on Friday.&nbsp;

Rai said that the three-member committee was earlier picked on an ad-hoc basis but has now been handed the responsibility of appointing the next head coach.&nbsp;

As an ad-hoc committee, Kapil, Gaekwad and Rangaswamy had selected WV Raman as the women's team head coach last year.&nbsp;

In Pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/after-shastri-who-foreign-coaches-who-can-help-power-indias-world-cup-dream-in-2023-236472">After Shastri who? Foreign coaches who can help power India's World Cup dream in 2023</a>

The interviews for the India men's team head coach are likely to take place in mid-August. &nbsp;

The CoA chief further said that India captain Virat Kohli will not have any input in the selection of next coach.&nbsp;

He said that there will be no review meeting on India's performance at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup as, "the team leaves in a few days from now and there is hardly any time."&nbsp;

Rai added that the manager's report will be discussed and selectors will decide on the next support staff.&nbsp;

The deadline for filing the applications for the head coach and support staff is July 30.

Former India cricketers Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad, and Shantha Rangaswamy will constitute the Cricket Advisory Committee entrusted to pick the head coach for the Men In Blue.

Former India cricketers Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad, and Shantha Rangaswamy will constitute the Cricket Advisory Committee entrusted to pick the head coach for the Men In Blue. The three-member committee is subject to be clear of any conflict of interest, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief Vinod Rai confirmed on Friday. Rai said that the three-member committee was earlier picked on an ad-hoc basis but has now been handed the responsibility of appointing the next head coach. As an ad-hoc committee, Kapil, Gaekwad and Rangaswamy had selected WV Raman as the women's team head coach last year. In Pics: After Shastri who? Foreign coaches who can help power India's World Cup dream in 2023 The interviews for the India men's team head coach are likely to take place in mid-August. The CoA chief further said that India captain Virat Kohli will not have any input in the selection of next coach. He said that there will be no review meeting on India's performance at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup as, "the team leaves in a few days from now and there is hardly any time." Rai added that the manager's report will be discussed and selectors will decide on the next support staff. The deadline for filing the applications for the head coach and support staff is July 30.

Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad, Shantha Rangaswamy to pick India head coach

With the term of national Men's Cricket Team head coach, Ravi Shastri, coming to a close after the conclusion of the West Indies series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already started to look for a candidate.

For finding a new coach, the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-invites-applications-for-mens-head-coach-to-replace-ravi-shastri-236389&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjcpqf3-b3jAhUcl48KHXcgDqkQFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0OGP0Z06FzcaWW9sUlzVoQ">BCCI has asked for applications</a>.

ANI has learnt through top sources of the board that Saba Karim, the General Manager of Cricket Operations, has been asked by the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (COA) to give new names for the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).

The new CAC will be monitored by the COA and will appoint the new head coach of the Indian team.

"This CAC will have three members and they will also see that there is no conflict of interest. Whether this CAC team can be appointed or not is also a major concern as the CAC can only be formed in Annual General Meeting (AGM), but we will see what will happen," a senior BCCI official told ANI.

"There will be a meeting of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/coa-to-review-indias-world-cup-performance-after-shocking-semi-final-exit-235347&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwim88yG-r3jAhWKvY8KHeU9CA8QFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0dwFtS45y-4mnUtk7qVBXo">COA</a> on July 26, till then Saba Karim has been asked to give the names for the new CAC and then the COA chief Vinod Rai and members Diana Edulji and Ravi Thogde will then take a call," the official added.

The earlier CAC comprised of former Indian cricketers <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/receive-no-monetary-benefit-from-mumbai-team-sachin-tendulkars-letter-to-ombudsman-214070&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfoKOO-r3jAhUDT48KHW_rCU0QFjAHegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1qR7Sb16XXpBGlSuQit-Jc">Sachin Tendulkar</a>, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman.

Tendulkar and Laxman have resigned from the CAC while there is no information from Sourav Ganguly, so a new committee will be formed for the appointment of head coach.

On being asked whether there will be any suggestions from the captain on the appointment of head coach, the source said it's up to the committee if they want to take suggestions or not.

With the term of national Men's Cricket Team head coach, Ravi Shastri, coming to a close after the conclusion of the West Indies series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already started to look for a candidate.

With the term of national Men's Cricket Team head coach, Ravi Shastri, coming to a close after the conclusion of the West Indies series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already started to look for a candidate. For finding a new coach, the BCCI has asked for applications. ANI has learnt through top sources of the board that Saba Karim, the General Manager of Cricket Operations, has been asked by the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (COA) to give new names for the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). The new CAC will be monitored by the COA and will appoint the new head coach of the Indian team. "This CAC will have three members and they will also see that there is no conflict of interest. Whether this CAC team can be appointed or not is also a major concern as the CAC can only be formed in Annual General Meeting (AGM), but we will see what will happen," a senior BCCI official told ANI. "There will be a meeting of COA on July 26, till then Saba Karim has been asked to give the names for the new CAC and then the COA chief Vinod Rai and members Diana Edulji and Ravi Thogde will then take a call," the official added. The earlier CAC comprised of former Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman. Tendulkar and Laxman have resigned from the CAC while there is no information from Sourav Ganguly, so a new committee will be formed for the appointment of head coach. On being asked whether there will be any suggestions from the captain on the appointment of head coach, the source said it's up to the committee if they want to take suggestions or not.

Tendulkar, Laxman resign, new CAC to be formed to appoint Indian cricket team's head coach

India head coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-invites-applications-for-mens-head-coach-to-replace-ravi-shastri-236389">Ravi Shastri</a> on Wednesday said New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson's composure in viewing the sequence of events was remarkable during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup final match.

The final between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-mistakenly-awarded-extra-run-in-world-cup-final-ex-umpire-simon-taufel-236235">New Zealand</a> and England at the Lord's Cricket Ground on July 14 could not separate the two sides despite the 50-over match and subsequent super over.

England finally were declared the champions on the basis of boundary countback rule.

Shastri, in a tweet, praised Williamson, saying the Kiwi skipper's silence since the match is remarkable.

He also conveyed his blessings to Williamson."Your composure and dignity viewing the sequence of events was remarkable. Your dignified grace and silence 48 hours since is simply remarkable. We know you have one hand on that WC. You not just Kane. You Kane and Able. God bless," Shastri said.

Williamson, who was adjudged Player of the Tournament, said the loss against England during the final based on the boundary countback rule was pretty hard to swallow.

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Your composure and dignity viewing the sequence of events was remarkable. Your dignified grace and silence 48 hours since is simply remarkable. We know you have one hand on that WC. You not just Kane. You Kane and Able. God bless. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/cLS4cabttu">pic.twitter.com/cLS4cabttu</a>
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc/status/1151246831311101952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I never thought I would have to answer this. It's pretty hard to swallow when two teams have worked really hard to reach this point. It's what it is, the rules were there at the start, no one thought it would come down to this," Williamson said at the post-match press conference.

"It's a pretty hard loss to swallow. The rules are there. It is something you don't consider when you go out to play. I didn't even know what the boundary count was, but we were behind," he added.

This is the second successive time that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-coach-wants-rules-to-review-after-hollow-world-cup-final-236266">New Zealand</a> finished as the runners-up in the World Cup.

The Kiwis under the leadership of Brendon McCullum lost the final of the 2015 edition to Australia by seven wickets.

India head coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday said New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson's composure in viewing the sequence of events was remarkable during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup final match.

India head coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday said New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson's composure in viewing the sequence of events was remarkable during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup final match. The final between New Zealand and England at the Lord's Cricket Ground on July 14 could not separate the two sides despite the 50-over match and subsequent super over. England finally were declared the champions on the basis of boundary countback rule. Shastri, in a tweet, praised Williamson, saying the Kiwi skipper's silence since the match is remarkable. He also conveyed his blessings to Williamson."Your composure and dignity viewing the sequence of events was remarkable. Your dignified grace and silence 48 hours since is simply remarkable. We know you have one hand on that WC. You not just Kane. You Kane and Able. God bless," Shastri said. Williamson, who was adjudged Player of the Tournament, said the loss against England during the final based on the boundary countback rule was pretty hard to swallow. Your composure and dignity viewing the sequence of events was remarkable. Your dignified grace and silence 48 hours since is simply remarkable. We know you have one hand on that WC. You not just Kane. You Kane and Able. God bless. #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/cLS4cabttu — Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) July 16, 2019 × "I never thought I would have to answer this. It's pretty hard to swallow when two teams have worked really hard to reach this point. It's what it is, the rules were there at the start, no one thought it would come down to this," Williamson said at the post-match press conference. "It's a pretty hard loss to swallow. The rules are there. It is something you don't consider when you go out to play. I didn't even know what the boundary count was, but we were behind," he added. This is the second successive time that New Zealand finished as the runners-up in the World Cup. The Kiwis under the leadership of Brendon McCullum lost the final of the 2015 edition to Australia by seven wickets.

Ravi Shastri praises New Zealand captain Kane Williamson's 'remarkable composure' in  World Cup final

After Shastri who? Foreign coaches who can help power India's World Cup dream in 2023

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday invited applications for the position of the head coach and support staff for the men's side, with incumbent <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-shastri-sanjay-bangar-among-other-support-staff-granted-45-day-contract-extension-226789&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjpifPDmbnjAhUkT48KHZ7jCXIQFjABegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0OicwQA8cLnpKjsTEhfULf">Ravi Shastri and his team</a> given automatic entry in the recruitment process.

Former India all-rounder Shastri was appointed in 2017 and succeeded former captain Anil Kumble, who stepped down after falling out with skipper Virat Kohli despite a successful run while in charge of the team.

The contract of the current coaching staff is set to expire after the tour of the West Indies starting August&nbsp;3, where India play three T20 internationals, three ODIs and two tests.

In a statement, the BCCI said it was inviting applications for the positions of head coach, batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach, physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach as well as an administrative manager.

Under Shastri's guidance, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coa-to-review-indias-world-cup-performance-after-shocking-semi-final-exit-235347">India </a>won a maiden test series in Australia earlier this year and are ranked number one in the world in the format.

They also reached the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup where they were beaten by eventual runners-up New Zealand.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday invited applications for the position of the head coach and support staff for the men's side, with incumbent Ravi Shastri and his team given automatic entry in the recruitment process.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday invited applications for the position of the head coach and support staff for the men's side, with incumbent Ravi Shastri and his team given automatic entry in the recruitment process. Former India all-rounder Shastri was appointed in 2017 and succeeded former captain Anil Kumble, who stepped down after falling out with skipper Virat Kohli despite a successful run while in charge of the team. The contract of the current coaching staff is set to expire after the tour of the West Indies starting August 3, where India play three T20 internationals, three ODIs and two tests. In a statement, the BCCI said it was inviting applications for the positions of head coach, batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach, physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach as well as an administrative manager. Under Shastri's guidance, India won a maiden test series in Australia earlier this year and are ranked number one in the world in the format. They also reached the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup where they were beaten by eventual runners-up New Zealand.

Post World Cup, BCCI invites applications for men's head coach to replace Ravi Shastri

The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) will be reviewing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-failed-to-deliver-when-it-mattered-says-rohit-sharma-after-world-cup-semi-final-loss-235219">India's performance</a> at&nbsp;the&nbsp;ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, a BCCI source confirmed on Friday.

"Team India's performance in the World Cup will be assessed and reviewed at an appropriate time," a BCCI source told ANI.

The CoA committee is led by chairman Vinod Rai, Diana Edulji and Lt Gen (Retd) Ravi Thodge.

Earlier, it was announced that the support staff comprising of head coach Ravi Shastri, batting coach Sanjay Bangar, bowling coach Bharat Arun have given an extension of 45 days (till the West Indies tour).

When the tour of West Indies ends, the future of the support staff will be found out.

India were knocked out of the World Cup as they lost their semi-final match against New Zealand by 18 runs on Wednesday.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/forty-five-minutes-of-bad-cricket-put-us-out-says-kohli-after-indias-shock-exit-234767">Virat-Kohli</a> led side failed to chase down 240.

The Indian team had gotten off to a bad start in pursuit of the target as their opening three batsmen were sent to the pavilion with just five runs on the board.

Ravindra Jadeja and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/angry-indian-fans-fume-over-iccs-hasta-la-vista-tweet-on-ms-dhoni-235304">MS Dhoni</a> tried their best to revive the innings, but their dismissals paved the way for a Kiwi win.

Jadeja was dismissed for 77 whereas Dhoni was sent back to the pavilion after playing a knock of 50 runs.

In the other semi-final, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-thrash-australia-by-eight-wickets-to-reach-world-cup-final-235127">England defeated Australia</a> by eight wickets to enter the finals.

With England and New Zealand set to lock horns in the finals, a new World Cup winner is guaranteed as these two sides have never won the tournament before.

England takes on New Zealand in the final on July 14 at Lord`s Cricket Ground.

The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) will be reviewing India's performance at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, a BCCI source confirmed on Friday.

The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) will be reviewing India's performance at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, a BCCI source confirmed on Friday. "Team India's performance in the World Cup will be assessed and reviewed at an appropriate time," a BCCI source told ANI. The CoA committee is led by chairman Vinod Rai, Diana Edulji and Lt Gen (Retd) Ravi Thodge. Earlier, it was announced that the support staff comprising of head coach Ravi Shastri, batting coach Sanjay Bangar, bowling coach Bharat Arun have given an extension of 45 days (till the West Indies tour). When the tour of West Indies ends, the future of the support staff will be found out. India were knocked out of the World Cup as they lost their semi-final match against New Zealand by 18 runs on Wednesday. The Virat-Kohli led side failed to chase down 240. The Indian team had gotten off to a bad start in pursuit of the target as their opening three batsmen were sent to the pavilion with just five runs on the board. Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni tried their best to revive the innings, but their dismissals paved the way for a Kiwi win. Jadeja was dismissed for 77 whereas Dhoni was sent back to the pavilion after playing a knock of 50 runs. In the other semi-final, England defeated Australia by eight wickets to enter the finals. With England and New Zealand set to lock horns in the finals, a new World Cup winner is guaranteed as these two sides have never won the tournament before. England takes on New Zealand in the final on July 14 at Lord`s Cricket Ground.

CoA to review India's World Cup performance after shocking semi-final exit

India head coach, Ravi Shastri, lauded team India's performance ahead of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-semi-final-1st-india-vs-new-zealand-234231"> India-New Zealand semi-final</a> match on Tuesday in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

In a video posted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Twitter, Shastri praised Indian players for their brilliant performance in the tournament.

Shastri hailed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-rohit-sharma-is-the-best-odi-player-says-virat-kohli-234035">Rohit Sharma</a> and said that he is one of the greatest ODI players. The 32-year-old Indian batsman has been in great form in the World Cup so far scoring 647 runs from eight innings. Sharma is the only batsman who has scored five centuries in the ongoing tournament.

He has broken Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara's record for scoring the most centuries in a single edition of the World Cup. Sharma has been providing a steady start to the Indian innings and he has the ability to accelerate when required.

"He is one of the greatest ODI players, whether he has scored runs in the competition or not. Just seeing his records over the year, three double hundreds in ODI, no one has done that and he is been really consistent for India," Shastri said.

Shastri further praised India bowlers for their spirited performance in the World Cup so far.

He complimented Mohammad Shami's bowling spell against Afghanistan where he clinched a hat-trick.

"Chahal has got a great temperament as he attacks the batsmen and looks for a wicket, that was the need of the hour. The team that improved like hell, Afghanistan. The match went down to the wire and you needed something special and Shami delivered for us," he said.

Speaking about the need to have good bowlers, he said,&nbsp;"In this format of the game, we got to have good death bowlers who can take wickets and restrict the opponent, and in Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar we got two good ones," he added.

Shastri hailed all-rounder <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-amazing-to-have-a-cricketer-like-hardik-pandya-says-virat-kohli-233666&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiF4av1tKfjAhW0mOYKHeU4BqIQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1q7Q01Mc6NVhrzrStvptg-">Hardik Pandya</a> and said he is one who can bat and can also deliver 10 overs when required.

"He has come along as a bowler, we are getting full 10 overs out of him. He reads the condition well, knows where to use the off-cutters and the slow bouncers. So, his reading of the game is good which is a massive help for the side when you have the batsman as flamboyant as him who can also bowl," Shashtri said.

Shastri concluded and said our job is to get out and perform as an individual and as a team.

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"I thought god was in England's dressing room that day. Hope if we play England next, he sits in ours."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> coach Ravi Shastri talks through each of India's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> matches before the crunch semi-final clash against New Zealand. <a href="https://t.co/I1HCDzfpPo">pic.twitter.com/I1HCDzfpPo</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1148426548460040198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I thought god was in England's dressing room that day. Hope if we play England next, he sits in ours. Nothing else to worry about. Our job is to get out there and do our job, as an individual and as a team," he said.

India will take on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-overcast-clouds-rain-expected-at-manchester-ahead-of-india-vs-new-zealand-semi-final-234185">New Zealand</a> in the semi-final match later in the day.

India head coach, Ravi Shastri, lauded team India's performance ahead of the India-New Zealand semi-final match on Tuesday in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

India head coach, Ravi Shastri, lauded team India's performance ahead of the India-New Zealand semi-final match on Tuesday in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. In a video posted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Twitter, Shastri praised Indian players for their brilliant performance in the tournament. Shastri hailed Rohit Sharma and said that he is one of the greatest ODI players. The 32-year-old Indian batsman has been in great form in the World Cup so far scoring 647 runs from eight innings. Sharma is the only batsman who has scored five centuries in the ongoing tournament. He has broken Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara's record for scoring the most centuries in a single edition of the World Cup. Sharma has been providing a steady start to the Indian innings and he has the ability to accelerate when required. "He is one of the greatest ODI players, whether he has scored runs in the competition or not. Just seeing his records over the year, three double hundreds in ODI, no one has done that and he is been really consistent for India," Shastri said. Shastri further praised India bowlers for their spirited performance in the World Cup so far. He complimented Mohammad Shami's bowling spell against Afghanistan where he clinched a hat-trick. "Chahal has got a great temperament as he attacks the batsmen and looks for a wicket, that was the need of the hour. The team that improved like hell, Afghanistan. The match went down to the wire and you needed something special and Shami delivered for us," he said. Speaking about the need to have good bowlers, he said, "In this format of the game, we got to have good death bowlers who can take wickets and restrict the opponent, and in Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar we got two good ones," he added. Shastri hailed all-rounder Hardik Pandya and said he is one who can bat and can also deliver 10 overs when required. "He has come along as a bowler, we are getting full 10 overs out of him. He reads the condition well, knows where to use the off-cutters and the slow bouncers. So, his reading of the game is good which is a massive help for the side when you have the batsman as flamboyant as him who can also bowl," Shashtri said. Shastri concluded and said our job is to get out and perform as an individual and as a team. "I thought god was in England's dressing room that day. Hope if we play England next, he sits in ours."#TeamIndia coach Ravi Shastri talks through each of India's #CWC19 matches before the crunch semi-final clash against New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/I1HCDzfpPo — ICC (@ICC) July 9, 2019 × "I thought god was in England's dressing room that day. Hope if we play England next, he sits in ours. Nothing else to worry about. Our job is to get out there and do our job, as an individual and as a team," he said. India will take on New Zealand in the semi-final match later in the day.

World Cup: Coach Ravi Shastri backs team India ahead of clash vs New Zealand

India head coach Ravi Shastri and support staff have been given a 45-day contract extension after the ongoing campaign at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.&nbsp;

Shastri and the support staff, including assistant coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/final-call-on-precious-shikhar-dhawan-only-after-10-12-days-sanjay-bangar-226591">Sanjay Bangar</a>, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, will continue with their roles till the end of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-to-begin-icc-world-test-championship-against-west-indies-226732">India tour of West Indies</a>.&nbsp;

The series comprising three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests will take place from August 3 to September 3.&nbsp;

"Yes, they have got 45 days extension till the end of the West Indies tour because the process will complete after the World Cup. There is no time in between so it doesn't make sense to do things in a hurry," a BCCI official told ANI.&nbsp;

India have won their first two matches, defeating South Africa by six wickets and Australia by 36 runs, respectively.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rain-set-to-play-spoilsport-at-india-vs-new-zealand-world-cup-clash-226768">Virat Kohli-led team</a> will take on New Zealand at Trent Bridge today.&nbsp;

India head coach Ravi Shastri and support staff have been given a 45-day contract extension after the ongoing campaign at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Shastri and the support staff, including assistant coach Sanjay Bangar, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, will continue with their roles till the end of India tour of West Indies.

India head coach Ravi Shastri and support staff have been given a 45-day contract extension after the ongoing campaign at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Shastri and the support staff, including assistant coach Sanjay Bangar, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, will continue with their roles till the end of India tour of West Indies. The series comprising three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests will take place from August 3 to September 3. "Yes, they have got 45 days extension till the end of the West Indies tour because the process will complete after the World Cup. There is no time in between so it doesn't make sense to do things in a hurry," a BCCI official told ANI. India have won their first two matches, defeating South Africa by six wickets and Australia by 36 runs, respectively. Virat Kohli-led team will take on New Zealand at Trent Bridge today.

Ravi Shastri, Sanjay Bangar among other support staff granted 45-day contract extension

Indian cricket head coach Ravi Shastri has been trolled on Twitter ahead of India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2019-virat-kohlis-india-begins-campaign-against-stunned-south-africa-224406">first 2019 World Cup match</a> against South Africa for posing with two female fans.&nbsp;

The Australian journalist Dennis Freedman, who claims to be a Pakistan cricket team fan, posted a picture on his Twitter handle of Shastri, sharing the frame with two women.&nbsp;

There is one more person in the frame, who is not associated with the Indian team.&nbsp;

Freedman wrote, "India's World Cup preparations appear to be going well."&nbsp;

Here's the tweet:

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India's World Cup preparations appear to be going well <a href="https://t.co/24NCfFNqO3">pic.twitter.com/24NCfFNqO3</a>
— Eid Dennisbarak (@DennisCricket_) <a href="https://twitter.com/DennisCricket_/status/1135879980473233408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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There were mixed reactions after the photo went viral and fans started commenting on Freedman's post.&nbsp;

One user wrote, "They are so anxious to gel in with gori's in UK. This is Indians very natural complex."

"Fielding at fine leg." Another one wrote: "We're playing both on and off the field," wrote another user.&nbsp;

One user came forward in support of the coach and wrote, "Atleast they aren't involved in ball tampering or any of those shits which a team (5 times WC winner) loves to do!! And talking about preparations @DennisCricket_ if you can remember 2-1(odi) 2-1(test) these stats, India&nbsp;defeated the same team in their own ground in 2018 Nov!"

"Let the howlers howl. We don't care. Have a good time Shastri," said another Twitter user.&nbsp;

Freedman has been making such comments against the Indian team quite often, for example, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-journalist-freedman-calls-gambhir-verbal-terrorist-indians-on-social-media-hit-back-133905">he had called cricketer Gautam Gambhir a "verbal terrorist"</a> last year after Gambhir shared expressed his views for India-Pakistan political relations.&nbsp;

Indian cricket head coach Ravi Shastri has been trolled on Twitter ahead of India's first 2019 World Cup match against South Africa for posing with two female fans.

Indian cricket head coach Ravi Shastri has been trolled on Twitter ahead of India's first 2019 World Cup match against South Africa for posing with two female fans. The Australian journalist Dennis Freedman, who claims to be a Pakistan cricket team fan, posted a picture on his Twitter handle of Shastri, sharing the frame with two women. There is one more person in the frame, who is not associated with the Indian team. Freedman wrote, "India's World Cup preparations appear to be going well." Here's the tweet: India's World Cup preparations appear to be going well pic.twitter.com/24NCfFNqO3 — Eid Dennisbarak (@DennisCricket_) June 4, 2019 × There were mixed reactions after the photo went viral and fans started commenting on Freedman's post. One user wrote, "They are so anxious to gel in with gori's in UK. This is Indians very natural complex." "Fielding at fine leg." Another one wrote: "We're playing both on and off the field," wrote another user. One user came forward in support of the coach and wrote, "Atleast they aren't involved in ball tampering or any of those shits which a team (5 times WC winner) loves to do!! And talking about preparations @DennisCricket_ if you can remember 2-1(odi) 2-1(test) these stats, India defeated the same team in their own ground in 2018 Nov!" "Let the howlers howl. We don't care. Have a good time Shastri," said another Twitter user. Freedman has been making such comments against the Indian team quite often, for example, he had called cricketer Gautam Gambhir a "verbal terrorist" last year after Gambhir shared expressed his views for India-Pakistan political relations.

Ahead of World Cup clash, India cricket coach Ravi Shastri trolled on Twitter

Before leaving for the Cricket World Cup 2019, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-indias-plans-for-cricket-world-cup-2019-220402">Indian team captain Virat Kohli</a> said that there ain't a&nbsp;bigger motivation that Indian Army after the former Indian cricketer Mohinder Amarnath had motivated the Indian cricketers to play the World Cup this year for the armed forces.&nbsp;

On being asked in this regard, Kohli said, "You get motivation from several sources. There's no bigger motivation than the Indian Army.

"If you want to dedicate it to the army, there can't be anything better," Kohli added.&nbsp;

"If we go in with that motivation that we can do something for the Army, you will see a different level of passion coming out of us. But that also depends on a lot of other factors. Every individual has a different motivation while playing in the World Cup.

"I think if everyone keeps the Indian Army in mind then we will get an extra boost from it," Virat Kohli added.&nbsp;

Indian will play two&nbsp;warm-up matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh on May 25 and May 28 respectively before&nbsp;starting their campaign against South Africa on June 5.&nbsp;

Recently, during the India-Australia series, the Indian cricket team paid tribute to Indian Army in the third ODI match&nbsp;after the ghastly Pulwama attack that killed over&nbsp;40 CRPF soldiers.&nbsp;

They also decided to contribute their match fees from that game to the National Defence Fund.&nbsp;

Even in the recently concluded Indian Premier League 2019,&nbsp;BCCI's contributed the entire budget earmarked for the league's opening ceremony to the funds of the Indian armed forces and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The BCCI has contributed a sum of Rs 20 crore.

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Despite the fourth-place-batsman conundrum, the Indian team boast of a strong batting unit in the presence of openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan along with Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya to follow.&nbsp;

Before leaving for the Cricket World Cup 2019, Indian team captain Virat Kohli said that there ain't a bigger motivation that Indian Army after the former Indian cricketer Mohinder Amarnath had motivated the Indian cricketers to play the World Cup this year for the armed forces.

Before leaving for the Cricket World Cup 2019, Indian team captain Virat Kohli said that there ain't a bigger motivation that Indian Army after the former Indian cricketer Mohinder Amarnath had motivated the Indian cricketers to play the World Cup this year for the armed forces. On being asked in this regard, Kohli said, "You get motivation from several sources. There's no bigger motivation than the Indian Army. "If you want to dedicate it to the army, there can't be anything better," Kohli added. "If we go in with that motivation that we can do something for the Army, you will see a different level of passion coming out of us. But that also depends on a lot of other factors. Every individual has a different motivation while playing in the World Cup. "I think if everyone keeps the Indian Army in mind then we will get an extra boost from it," Virat Kohli added. Indian will play two warm-up matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh on May 25 and May 28 respectively before starting their campaign against South Africa on June 5. Recently, during the India-Australia series, the Indian cricket team paid tribute to Indian Army in the third ODI match after the ghastly Pulwama attack that killed over 40 CRPF soldiers. They also decided to contribute their match fees from that game to the National Defence Fund. Even in the recently concluded Indian Premier League 2019, BCCI's contributed the entire budget earmarked for the league's opening ceremony to the funds of the Indian armed forces and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The BCCI has contributed a sum of Rs 20 crore. × Despite the fourth-place-batsman conundrum, the Indian team boast of a strong batting unit in the presence of openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan along with Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya to follow.

'There's no bigger motivation than Indian Army,' says Virat Kohli ahead of Cricket World Cup 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-coach-ravi-shastri-on-ms-dhonis-presence-and-tough-english-conditions-220420">Team India</a> has&nbsp;arrived in London to participate in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Cricket World Cup, beginning May 30.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the picture of the team and staff on Twitter with a caption, reading, "Touchdown London #TeamIndia".

Ahead of the World Cup, warm-up matches will take place.

Each team will get an opportunity to play two games.

India will face New Zealand on May 25 in its first warm-up followed by a match against Bangladesh on May 28.

At a pre-departure press conference held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Tuesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/theres-no-bigger-motivation-than-indian-army-virat-kohli-ahead-of-cricket-world-cup-2019-220427">Kohli </a>opined that they are entering in the tournament with a balanced and a strong side.

"We are going into the World Cup as a balanced and strong side. You saw in the IPL as well. All the players in the squad are in great form and playing really well. I think from that point of view, we just expect ourselves to play the best cricket we can," the Indian captain said.

All the 10 teams will face each other in a Round Robin format.

Calling it the most challenging World Cup, Kohli said, "It`s the most challenging one of all three that I've been part of because of the format. Looking at the strength of all the sides as well. If you look at Afghanistan from 2015 to now, they are completely different side. Any team can upset anyone on their given day. That's one thing we have in our mind."

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Touchdown London <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/mWihuGrnjw">pic.twitter.com/mWihuGrnjw</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1131178032729862144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Following is India's&nbsp;15-man squad: 

Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Kartik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami.

India will kick-off its World Cup campaign against South Africa at Hampshire Bowl. Southampton on June 5.

Team India has arrived in London to participate in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Cricket World Cup, beginning May 30. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the picture of the team and staff on Twitter with a caption, reading, "Touchdown London #TeamIndia".

Team India has arrived in London to participate in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Cricket World Cup, beginning May 30. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the picture of the team and staff on Twitter with a caption, reading, "Touchdown London #TeamIndia". Ahead of the World Cup, warm-up matches will take place. Each team will get an opportunity to play two games. India will face New Zealand on May 25 in its first warm-up followed by a match against Bangladesh on May 28. At a pre-departure press conference held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Tuesday, Kohli opined that they are entering in the tournament with a balanced and a strong side. "We are going into the World Cup as a balanced and strong side. You saw in the IPL as well. All the players in the squad are in great form and playing really well. I think from that point of view, we just expect ourselves to play the best cricket we can," the Indian captain said. All the 10 teams will face each other in a Round Robin format. Calling it the most challenging World Cup, Kohli said, "It`s the most challenging one of all three that I've been part of because of the format. Looking at the strength of all the sides as well. If you look at Afghanistan from 2015 to now, they are completely different side. Any team can upset anyone on their given day. That's one thing we have in our mind." Touchdown London #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/mWihuGrnjw — BCCI (@BCCI) May 22, 2019 × Following is India's 15-man squad: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Kartik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami. India will kick-off its World Cup campaign against South Africa at Hampshire Bowl. Southampton on June 5.

Team India arrives in London ahead of the ICC World Cup

Major takeaways from Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri's press conference ahead of Cricket World Cup 2019

Indian cricket head coach Ravi Shastri along with skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-on-indias-plans-for-cricket-world-cup-2019-220402">Virat Kohli addressed the media</a> before leaving for the Cricket World Cup 2019, which will begin from&nbsp;May 30.&nbsp;

On Mahendra Singh Dhoni's presence in the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri said, "He has a massive role."

"There is no one better than him in this format especially in those little moments which can change the game. He will be a big player in this World Cup," he added.&nbsp;

"His communication with Virat has been fantastic," said Shastri.&nbsp;

"His (Dhoni's) relation with Kohli is great, he has shown that he is still the best in this format of the game. What was good to see in the IPL was the way he was moving and hitting the ball," added Shastri.&nbsp;

Shastri also said, "World Cup might be a stage but the stage is to be enjoyed, if we play to our potential then the Cup might be back here."

"Its a strong competition, even Bangladesh and Afghanistan are much stronger than in 2015," he added.&nbsp;

On England's conditions, Shastri said, "Our mantra will be to be flexible according to conditions. Anywhere else in the world, overcast conditions don't matter much, but in England it does. So you've got to be ready for that."

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During the press conference, Kohli said, "Handling pressure is the most important thing in the World Cup and not necessarily the conditions. All our bowlers are fresh, no one looks fatigued."

"I think the only expectation we have is to play really good cricket and that's been our focus," Kohli added.&nbsp;

<img alt="India's World Cup squad" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="69bf6de7-0e49-41e9-a138-835d09071b0b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/India%2011_0.jpg" />

&nbsp;

Indian cricket head coach Ravi Shastri along with skipper Virat Kohli addressed the media before leaving for the Cricket World Cup 2019, which will begin from May 30.

Indian cricket head coach Ravi Shastri along with skipper Virat Kohli addressed the media before leaving for the Cricket World Cup 2019, which will begin from May 30. On Mahendra Singh Dhoni's presence in the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri said, "He has a massive role." "There is no one better than him in this format especially in those little moments which can change the game. He will be a big player in this World Cup," he added. "His communication with Virat has been fantastic," said Shastri. "His (Dhoni's) relation with Kohli is great, he has shown that he is still the best in this format of the game. What was good to see in the IPL was the way he was moving and hitting the ball," added Shastri. Shastri also said, "World Cup might be a stage but the stage is to be enjoyed, if we play to our potential then the Cup might be back here." "Its a strong competition, even Bangladesh and Afghanistan are much stronger than in 2015," he added. On England's conditions, Shastri said, "Our mantra will be to be flexible according to conditions. Anywhere else in the world, overcast conditions don't matter much, but in England it does. So you've got to be ready for that." × During the press conference, Kohli said, "Handling pressure is the most important thing in the World Cup and not necessarily the conditions. All our bowlers are fresh, no one looks fatigued." "I think the only expectation we have is to play really good cricket and that's been our focus," Kohli added.

India's coach Ravi Shastri on MS Dhoni's presence and tough English conditions

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri held a press conference before leaving for the World Cup, which is scheduled to kick off from May 30.

Virat Kohli: No fatigue due to IPL, World Cup conditions not a challenge

Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday compared skipper Virat Kohli to iconic former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan.

"The closest I have seen to the great man. Virat is in your face, he wants to dominate and has a work ethic like no one else. Whether it comes to discipline, training, sacrifice or self-denial, it is unbelievable.

"I think India is lucky to have a leader of that sort. He reminds me of Imran Khan in many ways - in the way he sets the example and sets the standards, and goes about defining it in his own way and leading from the front," Shastri said.

However, Shastri is confident that Kohli will evolve further as a captain.

"As far as I am concerned, tactically, there is still room for plenty of improvement as captain. He has gotten better and better, and better, and I thought in the Australian Test series, tactically he outsmarted Australia.

"I still see more room across formats for him to evolve. As a captain, Virat will evolve further," said Shastri.

Speaking about Indian bowlers, Shastri asserted that Kuldeep Yadav is firmly ahead of veteran Ravichandran Ashwin in the pecking order as India's frontline spinner on foreign soil.&nbsp;

Shastri cited Kuldeep's five-wicket haul against Australia in the Sydney Test this year.&nbsp;

Shastri made it clear that going forward, wrist spinners will be in vogue in Test cricket and Kuldeep is "already" ahead of Ashwin and Jadeja as country's No.1 spinner.

"Already! He plays overseas Test cricket and he gets five wickets, so he becomes our primary overseas spinner. Going ahead, if we have to play one spinner, he is the one we will pick," Shastri told the 'Cricbuzz' website.

"There is a time for everyone (referring to Ashwin's poor fitness record in 2018). But now Kuldeep is our frontline number one overseas spinner," he added.

Kuldeep bagged a five-for in the rain-affected Sydney Test and most of the Australian batsmen failed to read him.

"I was very impressed with the way Kuldeep bowled in Sydney. Even in Test cricket, it is going to be the age of wrist spin, especially in overseas Test cricket. The way he bowled in Sydney, he becomes our number one spinner in overseas Test cricket," Shastri said.

Cheteshwar Pujara was a revelation during the tour of Australia where he played a massive role in the country's first ever 2-1 series win, fetching the player of the series award for it.

However, the same Pujara was dropped for the first Test against England in Birmingham and Shastri revealed how a minor glitch in his stance was corrected, which wasn't entirely technical.&nbsp;

"It wasn't a technical issue. It was in his posture and the way he stood at the crease. It was a small thing, which can happen when you have played day in, and day out. I felt it was an issue," Shastri said.&nbsp;

"We had to factor in if we wanted to take the risk of that first Test or get him right for the next 7-8 Tests. Or, take that chance of playing in all 8 Tests and he doesn't have enough time to sort that," the coach, known for his cricketing acumen, said.

According to Shastri, the problem crept in when Pujara was playing county cricket in 2018 and it was a "conscious decision" to drop Pujara in England.

"And I will do that again if I get the results like the way I have," said the straight talking coach.

Since coming back from Australia, Pujara has played three back to back first-class games for Saurashtra, including the ongoing Ranji final in Nagpur and the coach feels it's time he takes some rest.&nbsp;

"...I feel like calling him from New Zealand and saying, enough Puji, take off your pads now and sit down!"

"And like I said earlier, he is the quintessential professional. That guy, when he gets in, he smells the leather. He doesn't let the bowler make him smell the leather. Chin music is different, when the bowler makes the ball go past you," he said.

And then there was an inimitable Shastri comment about how Pujara goes about his job, saying no one smells the leather in defence better than Pujara.

Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday compared skipper Virat Kohli to iconic former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan. "The closest I have seen to the great man.

Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday compared skipper Virat Kohli to iconic former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan. "The closest I have seen to the great man. Virat is in your face, he wants to dominate and has a work ethic like no one else. Whether it comes to discipline, training, sacrifice or self-denial, it is unbelievable. "I think India is lucky to have a leader of that sort. He reminds me of Imran Khan in many ways - in the way he sets the example and sets the standards, and goes about defining it in his own way and leading from the front," Shastri said. However, Shastri is confident that Kohli will evolve further as a captain. "As far as I am concerned, tactically, there is still room for plenty of improvement as captain. He has gotten better and better, and better, and I thought in the Australian Test series, tactically he outsmarted Australia. "I still see more room across formats for him to evolve. As a captain, Virat will evolve further," said Shastri. Speaking about Indian bowlers, Shastri asserted that Kuldeep Yadav is firmly ahead of veteran Ravichandran Ashwin in the pecking order as India's frontline spinner on foreign soil. Shastri cited Kuldeep's five-wicket haul against Australia in the Sydney Test this year. Shastri made it clear that going forward, wrist spinners will be in vogue in Test cricket and Kuldeep is "already" ahead of Ashwin and Jadeja as country's No.1 spinner. "Already! He plays overseas Test cricket and he gets five wickets, so he becomes our primary overseas spinner. Going ahead, if we have to play one spinner, he is the one we will pick," Shastri told the 'Cricbuzz' website. "There is a time for everyone (referring to Ashwin's poor fitness record in 2018). But now Kuldeep is our frontline number one overseas spinner," he added. Kuldeep bagged a five-for in the rain-affected Sydney Test and most of the Australian batsmen failed to read him. "I was very impressed with the way Kuldeep bowled in Sydney. Even in Test cricket, it is going to be the age of wrist spin, especially in overseas Test cricket. The way he bowled in Sydney, he becomes our number one spinner in overseas Test cricket," Shastri said. Cheteshwar Pujara was a revelation during the tour of Australia where he played a massive role in the country's first ever 2-1 series win, fetching the player of the series award for it. However, the same Pujara was dropped for the first Test against England in Birmingham and Shastri revealed how a minor glitch in his stance was corrected, which wasn't entirely technical. "It wasn't a technical issue. It was in his posture and the way he stood at the crease. It was a small thing, which can happen when you have played day in, and day out. I felt it was an issue," Shastri said. "We had to factor in if we wanted to take the risk of that first Test or get him right for the next 7-8 Tests. Or, take that chance of playing in all 8 Tests and he doesn't have enough time to sort that," the coach, known for his cricketing acumen, said. According to Shastri, the problem crept in when Pujara was playing county cricket in 2018 and it was a "conscious decision" to drop Pujara in England. "And I will do that again if I get the results like the way I have," said the straight talking coach. Since coming back from Australia, Pujara has played three back to back first-class games for Saurashtra, including the ongoing Ranji final in Nagpur and the coach feels it's time he takes some rest. "...I feel like calling him from New Zealand and saying, enough Puji, take off your pads now and sit down!" "And like I said earlier, he is the quintessential professional. That guy, when he gets in, he smells the leather. He doesn't let the bowler make him smell the leather. Chin music is different, when the bowler makes the ball go past you," he said. And then there was an inimitable Shastri comment about how Pujara goes about his job, saying no one smells the leather in defence better than Pujara.

Virat Kohli 'reminds me of Imran Khan', says India coach Ravi Shastri

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav's sensational show at his maiden Test on Australian soil makes him India's first-choice spinner when it comes to selecting the playing XI for the upcoming World Cup in England feels team coach Ravi Shastri.&nbsp;

Kuldeep returned with a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the drawn fourth Test in Sydney against Australia and the wrist-spinner received huge accolades from the India coach.&nbsp;

"Kuldeep comes into the mix big time now (in the World Cup)," Shastri told 'India Today' TV channel.&nbsp;

"He might be in every Indian XI that plays (in the World Cup) because he has the advantage of a wrist spinner. We might need to choose between the other two finger spinners because wrist spinner now is the priority."&nbsp;

Young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant also impressed by scoring 350 runs at an average of 58.33 to emerge as the second leading run-scorer for India during the four-match Test series against Australia. India won the contest 2-1 to clinch their maiden Test series win on Australian soil.&nbsp;

However, the 21-year-old Pant, who scored an unbeaten 159 in Sydney, was not included in the squad for the Australia and New Zealand ODIs.&nbsp;

Shastri said Pant has been given a specific job of learning to finish games, which will be important for India during the World Cup.&nbsp;

"We have asked him to go back because he has been playing non-stop cricket. I think he needs a break for a couple of weeks and then join the India A team," the India coach said.&nbsp;

"He has been asked to do a specific job, to get into the habit of finishing off matches and he will be right there in the mix," he added.&nbsp;

Shastri again slammed the critics for "jabbering away".&nbsp;

"Who cares what people say? Look at the scoreboard, look at the results and rests is history, you can keep jabbering away." he said. 
"I always believed the people who jabber away are in the minority. You don't know the millions of fans that this Indian team has, you outnumber the jabbering crowd." 
Virat Kohli and Co. Will now take on Australia in the three-match one-day series starting in Sydney on Saturday.

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav's sensational show at his maiden Test on Australian soil makes him India's first-choice spinner when it comes to selecting the playing XI for the upcoming World Cup in England feels team coach Ravi Shastri.

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav's sensational show at his maiden Test on Australian soil makes him India's first-choice spinner when it comes to selecting the playing XI for the upcoming World Cup in England feels team coach Ravi Shastri. Kuldeep returned with a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the drawn fourth Test in Sydney against Australia and the wrist-spinner received huge accolades from the India coach. "Kuldeep comes into the mix big time now (in the World Cup)," Shastri told 'India Today' TV channel. "He might be in every Indian XI that plays (in the World Cup) because he has the advantage of a wrist spinner. We might need to choose between the other two finger spinners because wrist spinner now is the priority." Young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant also impressed by scoring 350 runs at an average of 58.33 to emerge as the second leading run-scorer for India during the four-match Test series against Australia. India won the contest 2-1 to clinch their maiden Test series win on Australian soil. However, the 21-year-old Pant, who scored an unbeaten 159 in Sydney, was not included in the squad for the Australia and New Zealand ODIs. Shastri said Pant has been given a specific job of learning to finish games, which will be important for India during the World Cup. "We have asked him to go back because he has been playing non-stop cricket. I think he needs a break for a couple of weeks and then join the India A team," the India coach said. "He has been asked to do a specific job, to get into the habit of finishing off matches and he will be right there in the mix," he added. Shastri again slammed the critics for "jabbering away". "Who cares what people say? Look at the scoreboard, look at the results and rests is history, you can keep jabbering away." he said. "I always believed the people who jabber away are in the minority. You don't know the millions of fans that this Indian team has, you outnumber the jabbering crowd." Virat Kohli and Co. Will now take on Australia in the three-match one-day series starting in Sydney on Saturday.

Kuldeep Yadav comes into World Cup mix big time: Ravi Shastri

WION Sports: Team India win historic Test series in Australia

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/virat-reminds-me-a-lot-of-imran-khan-says-ravi-shastri-34771">utility of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri</a> as captain and coach must be assessed if India fail to win the next two Tests against Australia, suggested batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who is baffled by the "selection blunders" committed by the team management.

India lost the Perth Test by 146 runs to allow the hosts level the four-match series 1-1. India went in with four specialist pacers while Australia picked spinner Nathan Lyon, who eventually tuned out to be the difference between the two sides.

Gavaskar was not impressed with the selection choices made by the team management.

"We have been seeing this - the selection blunders that have been committed since the tour of South Africa. It has cost the team because it has lost matches which could've been won if the proper selection had been made," Gavaskar said.&nbsp;

"They have to look at the combination of their team, look at the hole that needs to be plugged and pick the men to. If they do that then they can certainly win the next two matches but if they don't, and that too against this Australian team which does not have Steve Smith or David Warner, then the selectors need to think whether we are getting any benefit from this lot - the captain, coach and support staff,&nbsp;Gavaskar said. &nbsp;

The former opener questioned the logic for picking a jumbo squad.&nbsp;

"I want to find out that who has authorised 19 players to go because the next question is why not three more? The BCCI is a very rich body, it can afford to send even 40 people down there. However, I feel that an India cap, an Indian blazer has to be made a lot more valuable. ... By carrying players and taking 19 players, I do believe that the selection committee has not handled their responsibility well," he said.&nbsp;

"A lot of those players can come back and play domestic cricket which will not only embellish our domestic cricket, lift the standard of our domestic cricket but also give these guys, unlikely to be picked in the Test matches, an opportunity to regain form and make a case for getting back in the team," he added.&nbsp;

The first one on the flight back home from Perth should be India opener KL Rahul according to Gavaskar.

"He (Rahul) has no chance of playing in the remaining two Tests unless of course there is an injury to any player. I think that he should be coming back and playing Ranji Trophy for Karnataka. It is not just that he is out of form, he is just not there and you can see that. He can prove me wrong and I will be very happy to be proven wrong as long as the Indian team benefits."

The utility of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri as captain and coach must be assessed if India fail to win the next two Tests against Australia, suggested batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who is baffled by the "selection blunders" committed by the team management.

The utility of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri as captain and coach must be assessed if India fail to win the next two Tests against Australia, suggested batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who is baffled by the "selection blunders" committed by the team management. India lost the Perth Test by 146 runs to allow the hosts level the four-match series 1-1. India went in with four specialist pacers while Australia picked spinner Nathan Lyon, who eventually tuned out to be the difference between the two sides. Gavaskar was not impressed with the selection choices made by the team management. "We have been seeing this - the selection blunders that have been committed since the tour of South Africa. It has cost the team because it has lost matches which could've been won if the proper selection had been made," Gavaskar said. "They have to look at the combination of their team, look at the hole that needs to be plugged and pick the men to. If they do that then they can certainly win the next two matches but if they don't, and that too against this Australian team which does not have Steve Smith or David Warner, then the selectors need to think whether we are getting any benefit from this lot - the captain, coach and support staff, Gavaskar said. The former opener questioned the logic for picking a jumbo squad. "I want to find out that who has authorised 19 players to go because the next question is why not three more? The BCCI is a very rich body, it can afford to send even 40 people down there. However, I feel that an India cap, an Indian blazer has to be made a lot more valuable. ... By carrying players and taking 19 players, I do believe that the selection committee has not handled their responsibility well," he said. "A lot of those players can come back and play domestic cricket which will not only embellish our domestic cricket, lift the standard of our domestic cricket but also give these guys, unlikely to be picked in the Test matches, an opportunity to regain form and make a case for getting back in the team," he added. The first one on the flight back home from Perth should be India opener KL Rahul according to Gavaskar. "He (Rahul) has no chance of playing in the remaining two Tests unless of course there is an injury to any player. I think that he should be coming back and playing Ranji Trophy for Karnataka. It is not just that he is out of form, he is just not there and you can see that. He can prove me wrong and I will be very happy to be proven wrong as long as the Indian team benefits."

Kohli, Shastri's utility must be assessed if India do not win remaining Tests: Gavaskar

"To hell with the nets," was what Ravi Shastri said Monday after a memorable 31-run win in the opening Test against Australia, the India coach stressing more on resting his players.

Having suffered back-to-back defeats in South Africa and England, India began the Test series against Australia in earnest, winning the opening match Down Under for the first time in over seven decades.

"We lost the first Test in England by 31, lost the first Test in South Africa by 60-70, so this is a very good feeling for the boys to come out on top. When you get off to a good start, there's belief," Shastri said.

The teams will be heading to Perth for the second Test that starts on December 14 and Shastri, who is confident that the fast bowlers will have a crucial role to play, hinted at ditching net practice ahead of the clash.

"They have to rest up, to hell with the nets. You just come there, mark your attendance and get away to the hotel. We know the Perth track is quick, it's a drop in surface, there will be something there for the fast bowlers."

A collective performance by the four-man Indian bowling attack -- pacers Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin -- helped India earn 15-run first innings lead before they completed a rare win in this part of the world.

"The bowlers were brilliant in the first innings, defending 250, the discipline was magnificent. They've worked on it, it's not come in overnight. As a bowling unit, when you show that discipline, it doesn't matter which side you play against. You will be successful," Sahstri said.

The coach also said he was hopeful that players had learnt from their mistakes in the first innings and commended Man of the Match, Cheteshwar Pujara, for his knocks in both the innings.

"There was some rash shots played in the first innings, that was foolish cricket, but they learnt from it. Pujara was absolutely magnificent, we've asked him to be a little more upright to counter bounce in these conditions."

On youngster Rishabh Pant, who equalled the world record of most catches in a Test by a wicketkeeper, dropping the catch of Nathan Lyon, Shastri said: "You have to allow him to play his game, but he has to be a little more sensible now.

"He did the hard work in getting Lyon to spread his fields, so he has to be smarter. You make a mistake now, but don't repeat it, then I'll be in his ears."&nbsp;

"To hell with the nets," was what Ravi Shastri said Monday after a memorable 31-run win in the opening Test against Australia, the India coach stressing more on resting his players.

"To hell with the nets," was what Ravi Shastri said Monday after a memorable 31-run win in the opening Test against Australia, the India coach stressing more on resting his players. Having suffered back-to-back defeats in South Africa and England, India began the Test series against Australia in earnest, winning the opening match Down Under for the first time in over seven decades. "We lost the first Test in England by 31, lost the first Test in South Africa by 60-70, so this is a very good feeling for the boys to come out on top. When you get off to a good start, there's belief," Shastri said. The teams will be heading to Perth for the second Test that starts on December 14 and Shastri, who is confident that the fast bowlers will have a crucial role to play, hinted at ditching net practice ahead of the clash. "They have to rest up, to hell with the nets. You just come there, mark your attendance and get away to the hotel. We know the Perth track is quick, it's a drop in surface, there will be something there for the fast bowlers." A collective performance by the four-man Indian bowling attack -- pacers Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin -- helped India earn 15-run first innings lead before they completed a rare win in this part of the world. "The bowlers were brilliant in the first innings, defending 250, the discipline was magnificent. They've worked on it, it's not come in overnight. As a bowling unit, when you show that discipline, it doesn't matter which side you play against. You will be successful," Sahstri said. The coach also said he was hopeful that players had learnt from their mistakes in the first innings and commended Man of the Match, Cheteshwar Pujara, for his knocks in both the innings. "There was some rash shots played in the first innings, that was foolish cricket, but they learnt from it. Pujara was absolutely magnificent, we've asked him to be a little more upright to counter bounce in these conditions." On youngster Rishabh Pant, who equalled the world record of most catches in a Test by a wicketkeeper, dropping the catch of Nathan Lyon, Shastri said: "You have to allow him to play his game, but he has to be a little more sensible now. "He did the hard work in getting Lyon to spread his fields, so he has to be smarter. You make a mistake now, but don't repeat it, then I'll be in his ears."

To hell with the nets, boys need rest: Ravi Shastri after 1st Test win against Australia

Coach Ravi Shastri vowed Sunday India will "take no prisoners" in their quest to win a Test series in Australia for the first time, but cautioned against underestimating the struggling home team.

India play four Tests and three one-day internationals from early December, with three Twenty20s before that, starting in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Despite Australia's form nosediving since the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March resulted in bans for Steve Smith and David Warner, the former spin great doesn't believe they have lost their aura.

"I don't think so," he said. "I always believe no team is weak at home.&nbsp;

"We might have three or four players not playing when a team comes to India but God forbid if anyone says it is a weak Indian team because you will be surprised."

Shastri didn't want to be drawn on Australia's new "friendlier" approach to playing cricket under Justin Langer, which has seen them tone down the confrontational style that brought then so much success.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/faf-du-plessis-suggests-australian-team-to-avoid-confrontation-with-virat-kohli-177841">Faf du Plessis suggests Australian team </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/faf-du-plessis-suggests-australian-team-to-avoid-confrontation-with-virat-kohli-177841">to</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/faf-du-plessis-suggests-australian-team-to-avoid-confrontation-with-virat-kohli-177841"> avoid confrontation with Virat Kohli</a>

But he has instructed his team to play hard but fair.

"We will be taking no prisoners, but are focusing on our game rather than what is happening outside," he said.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, who has fed off the Australian "in-your-face" attitude in recent years, urged them last week not to totally abandon this aspect of their game.

His Indian counterpart Virat Kohli is another who has thrived previously on the combative rivalry.

Shastri did not believe the hosts' new, polite approach would affect his skipper.

"He won't take his foot off the gas that is for sure," he warned.

"He loves coming to Australia, he's passionate about his game and the pitches here suit his style of play."

While India have maintained home recent supremacy with a&nbsp;thrashing of the West Indies in Tests (2-0), ODIs (3-1) and T20s (3-0), they have not been as dominant away.

They lost 2-1 in Tests to South Africa and were then outplayed in England 4-1.&nbsp;

"It's about seizing the moment. If you look at those Test matches (overseas), the scoreline doesn't really tell you the whole story," said Shastri.

"There were some very tight Test matches and we lost some big moments badly which cost us the series.

"It could have been just an hour in a session over four days which made all the difference -- you have to learn from that."

Coach Ravi Shastri vowed Sunday India will "take no prisoners" in their quest to win a Test series in Australia for the first time, but cautioned against underestimating the struggling home team.

Coach Ravi Shastri vowed Sunday India will "take no prisoners" in their quest to win a Test series in Australia for the first time, but cautioned against underestimating the struggling home team. India play four Tests and three one-day internationals from early December, with three Twenty20s before that, starting in Brisbane on Wednesday. Despite Australia's form nosediving since the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March resulted in bans for Steve Smith and David Warner, the former spin great doesn't believe they have lost their aura. "I don't think so," he said. "I always believe no team is weak at home. "We might have three or four players not playing when a team comes to India but God forbid if anyone says it is a weak Indian team because you will be surprised." Shastri didn't want to be drawn on Australia's new "friendlier" approach to playing cricket under Justin Langer, which has seen them tone down the confrontational style that brought then so much success. Faf du Plessis suggests Australian team to avoid confrontation with Virat Kohli But he has instructed his team to play hard but fair. "We will be taking no prisoners, but are focusing on our game rather than what is happening outside," he said. South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, who has fed off the Australian "in-your-face" attitude in recent years, urged them last week not to totally abandon this aspect of their game. His Indian counterpart Virat Kohli is another who has thrived previously on the combative rivalry. Shastri did not believe the hosts' new, polite approach would affect his skipper. "He won't take his foot off the gas that is for sure," he warned. "He loves coming to Australia, he's passionate about his game and the pitches here suit his style of play." While India have maintained home recent supremacy with a thrashing of the West Indies in Tests (2-0), ODIs (3-1) and T20s (3-0), they have not been as dominant away. They lost 2-1 in Tests to South Africa and were then outplayed in England 4-1. "It's about seizing the moment. If you look at those Test matches (overseas), the scoreline doesn't really tell you the whole story," said Shastri. "There were some very tight Test matches and we lost some big moments badly which cost us the series. "It could have been just an hour in a session over four days which made all the difference -- you have to learn from that."

Ravi Shastri says India 'taking no prisoners' in Australia

India are yet to shed their "poor travellers" tag but head coach Ravi Shastri feels that it's unfair to pick on one particular side when most of the nations have fared poorly on away tours.&nbsp;

India have lost two away Test series in 2018, against South Africa (1-2) and England (1-4). This was after both tours were seen as best chance for Virat Kohli's men to set the poor overseas record straight.&nbsp;

Asked how important it is for India to win the series in Australia, Shastri said: "You have got to learn from your mistakes. When you go overseas and when you look at teams that travel around now, there aren't too many sides (that travel well).&nbsp;

"Australia did for some time in the 90's and during the turn of century. South Africa did it for a while and other than these two,in the last five-six years, you tell me which team has travelled well. Why pick on India?" questioned Shastri.&nbsp;

Questioned whether he or skipper Kohli has spoken to the team as to why they lost in South Africa and England, Shastri said that it was all about "seizing big moments".&nbsp;

"We have spoken about seizing the big moments. If you look at the Test matches, the scoreline really doesn't tell you the real story. There were some real tight Test matches and we lost some big moments badly, which cost us the series at the end of it.&nbsp;

"It could have been an hour in a session over four days whether it was SA or England. Either as a batsman or a bowler and see what happens after that," the coach said in his team's defence.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2018-19-schedule-teams-time-and-venue-177740">India vs Australia 2018-19: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a>

Shastri refused to believe that Australian team has lost its aura after what all happened during the past few months.&nbsp;

"I don't think so. I think once you have a sporting culture in you, you will always have that. I have always believed that no team is weak at home. We might have three or four players not playing when a team comes to India God forbid but if anyone thinks it's a weak team, you will be surprised.&nbsp;

"Similarly, we are taking no prisoners and we want to go out and put our best foot forward, focussing on our game rather than focussing outside," he sounded cautious.&nbsp;

He is confident that his pacers will enjoy bowling on Australian pitches.&nbsp;

"I think they (pacers) should enjoy bowling on these pitches if it's like the pitches we have seen in the past. It's important to stay fit as a unit."

Shastri broadly dropped a hint that injured Hardik Pandya's absence robs them a chance to play an extra bowler. Even former Australian batsman Mike Hussey recently spoke about how Pandya's absence can hurt India.&nbsp;

"One player we will miss is Hardik Pandya, who has had an injury. He gave us that balance as a bowler as well as batsman, which allowed us to play that extra bowler. Even now we have got to think twice.&nbsp;

Hopefully, he will get fit soon and if fast bowlers do well, we might not miss him then," the former all-rounder said.&nbsp;

Asked if this is the best chance for India's fast bowlers, Shastri said it will depend on if they can maintain "sustained intensity" for a long period of time.&nbsp;

"It doesn't matter what line-up they play as long as they are consistent. In the past, we have had one or two bowlers doing well in spells, but bowling as a unit for three, four or five hours with sustained intensity, if that comes into play, no matter which batting line-up you are playing against, you will be tested," he added.&nbsp;

India are yet to shed their "poor travellers" tag but head coach Ravi Shastri feels that it's unfair to pick on one particular side when most of the nations have fared poorly on away tours.

India are yet to shed their "poor travellers" tag but head coach Ravi Shastri feels that it's unfair to pick on one particular side when most of the nations have fared poorly on away tours. India have lost two away Test series in 2018, against South Africa (1-2) and England (1-4). This was after both tours were seen as best chance for Virat Kohli's men to set the poor overseas record straight. Asked how important it is for India to win the series in Australia, Shastri said: "You have got to learn from your mistakes. When you go overseas and when you look at teams that travel around now, there aren't too many sides (that travel well). "Australia did for some time in the 90's and during the turn of century. South Africa did it for a while and other than these two,in the last five-six years, you tell me which team has travelled well. Why pick on India?" questioned Shastri. Questioned whether he or skipper Kohli has spoken to the team as to why they lost in South Africa and England, Shastri said that it was all about "seizing big moments". "We have spoken about seizing the big moments. If you look at the Test matches, the scoreline really doesn't tell you the real story. There were some real tight Test matches and we lost some big moments badly, which cost us the series at the end of it. "It could have been an hour in a session over four days whether it was SA or England. Either as a batsman or a bowler and see what happens after that," the coach said in his team's defence. India vs Australia 2018-19: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue Shastri refused to believe that Australian team has lost its aura after what all happened during the past few months. "I don't think so. I think once you have a sporting culture in you, you will always have that. I have always believed that no team is weak at home. We might have three or four players not playing when a team comes to India God forbid but if anyone thinks it's a weak team, you will be surprised. "Similarly, we are taking no prisoners and we want to go out and put our best foot forward, focussing on our game rather than focussing outside," he sounded cautious. He is confident that his pacers will enjoy bowling on Australian pitches. "I think they (pacers) should enjoy bowling on these pitches if it's like the pitches we have seen in the past. It's important to stay fit as a unit." Shastri broadly dropped a hint that injured Hardik Pandya's absence robs them a chance to play an extra bowler. Even former Australian batsman Mike Hussey recently spoke about how Pandya's absence can hurt India. "One player we will miss is Hardik Pandya, who has had an injury. He gave us that balance as a bowler as well as batsman, which allowed us to play that extra bowler. Even now we have got to think twice. Hopefully, he will get fit soon and if fast bowlers do well, we might not miss him then," the former all-rounder said. Asked if this is the best chance for India's fast bowlers, Shastri said it will depend on if they can maintain "sustained intensity" for a long period of time. "It doesn't matter what line-up they play as long as they are consistent. In the past, we have had one or two bowlers doing well in spells, but bowling as a unit for three, four or five hours with sustained intensity, if that comes into play, no matter which batting line-up you are playing against, you will be tested," he added.

Targeting team India for poor overseas record is unfair, says coach Ravi Shastri

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