Last Update on: August 23rd, 2021 at 04:57 pm
Former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar has opined that Team India head coach Ravi Shastri will not be bothered about the media speculations that are pointing towards a possible change in the coaching role. Shastri’s contract runs out after the conclusion of the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Currently, India is engaged in a 5-match Test series against England so Shastri is fully focused on producing results for the team. Agarkar stated that the rumors will be the last thing on the head coach’s mind especially during an important series.
“I don’t think the squad will be unsettled. I mean, how can you stop speculation? If someone has to write or say something, it’s their opinion. I can’t imagine Ravi being bothered by it. Ideally, if that doesn’t happen, great.“
“I can only talk about my personal experience, I haven’t read about this much. I can’t imagine Ravi worrying about these speculations. Clearly it’s not bothering them (the team), they are one up in the series and had a chance of going two up if play had happened in Nottingham. So, no, I don’t think it bothers Ravi, having known him for a while now,” he asserted.
“Eventually it’s the performances which tell whether he can continue or not” – Ajit Agarkar
Under Ravi Shastri, India has done quite well. He is known to be excellent at man-management, often seen motivating the youngsters to give their best for the national team. As a reason, the team has flourished and he also has a good rapport with skipper Virat Kohli.
“If the team is doing well and you are winning, it’s always a difficult decision. Even when Anil (Kumble) was the coach, there were applications asked so it’s common when a contract is up for renewal.“
“Eventually it’s the performances which tell you whether X should continue or not. This is a performance-oriented industry and if the team’s doing well it would be hard to dislodge someone,” Agarkar concluded.
India leads the Test series 1-0, with three games remaining. The next Test will be held at Headingley, Leeds from August 25-29.
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