Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri (Image Credits: Twitter)

Former India coach Ravi Shastri considers the group of batters his squad has gathered for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be the best he has ever seen.

When Shastri was in charge of India at the T20 World Cup last year, the Asian team won just three of their five games and was unable to advance to the tournament’s knockout rounds.

Rohit Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal and Virat Kohli | GETTY
Rohit Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Virat Kohli | GETTY

With Suryakumar Yadav’s recent ascent and the reintroduction of experienced finisher Dinesh Karthik to the middle order, the India batting line-up appears more stable now, almost a year after it was first stated. Shastri believes that India’s batters can help the team reach the semi-finals this time around, despite the loss of crucial fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to injury.

“I have been part of the system for the last six seven years, first as a coach and now I am watching from the outside, and I think this is as good a line-up as India has ever had in T20 cricket,” Ravi Shastri declared during an event at the Mumbai Press Club.

Suryakumar Yadav. PC- AP
Suryakumar Yadav. PC- AP

“With Suryakumar Yadav at No.4, Hardik (Pandya) at No.5, and Rishabh Pant or Dinesh Karthik at No.6 it makes a massive difference as it allows the top order to play the way they are playing.”

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Ravi Shastri is concerned about India’s fielding:

Shastri is somewhat concerned about India’s fielding, noting that the team will need to improve in this area throughout the competition.
“Fielding is one area where India will need to pick it up and get going right away,” Ravi Shastri said.

Team India. PC- BCCI Tiwtter
Team India. PC- BCCI Twitter

“When they take the field (in the first game) against Pakistan, they must put in a lot of effort and bring their best, Those 15-20 runs that you save can mean the difference because otherwise, you need to get 15-20 runs extra every time you get out to bat” Ravi Shastri Added.

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23, India will play Pakistan in their opening T20 World Cup match.

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