Ashish Nehra Explains What Makes Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri A Successful Captain-Coach Pair

Ashish Nehra, the former Indian cricketer, feels that Ravi Shastri giving captain Virat Kohli the desired space and the latters understanding as to what can be extracted from the coach are the major reasons behind their successful partnership.

Ravi Shastri served as the director of Team India during Virat Kohli’s initial years [2015-2016] as captain. Post the skipper’s fallout with Anil Kumble, Shastri was appointed the head coach in 2017.

Shastri’s contract was renewed for a two-year-period post the 2019 World Cup and it will now culminate with next year’s T20 World Cup. Nehra, who has worked with Virat Kohli as RCB’s bowling coach, hailed Ravi Shastri for his man-management skills while also adding that it is the mutual understanding between the duo which has contributed to their successful partnership.

“Ravi Shastri gives Virat Kohli his space, that he needs. Virat Kohli knows the type of person Ravi Shastri is and what can be extracted from him.” Ashish Nehra said on ‘Cricket Connected’

“Ravi Shastri is a great motivator, that is Ravi bhai’s strength. He gives you a lot of confidence. If you are stuck in quicksand till your neck, he will ask you to push with your hands twice and you would come out.” he added.

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‘Both have similar personalities’- Ashish Nehra on Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri

Nehra also added that Virat Kohli himself likes to lead from the front and the similarities between the personality traits of the duo have also gone a long way in establishing a bond between them.

“Virat Kohli also likes leading from the front. Both have similar personalities. So, it is very good between the two of them.” Ashish Nehra added.

The former fast bowler also said that while Kohli and Shastri may not agree with each other on everything, they both play an important role in arriving at the final decision.

“It is not that all the time they agree on things but few things you need to let it go. It’s not like that the captain is the last decision-maker or coach is the last decision-maker. For me, it has to be a 50-50 partnership.” he added.

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