Ravi Shastri Says He's Like an Elder Brother to Team India Players, Advises 'Chillax Pill'
Ravi Shastri says he always looks to create an atmosphere where Team India players are able to speak frankly with him. The Team India Director believes making the cricketers believe in themselves is the biggest part of his job description.
He is the Indian cricket's Team Director but Ravi Shastri does not like to be caught up with official designations. Instead, the former cricketer says he is like an elder brother to the national cricketers and is always trying to bring out the best in them. (Also read: Bangla paper mocks Indian cricketers after series loss)
In an interview to BCCI.tv, Shastri opened up about what it takes to bring the best out from Indian cricketers, who are both revered and rubbished depending on results.
"There is plenty that I have seen in the game to be able to offer something to these young boys," said Shastri - a veteran of 80 Tests and 150 ODIs.
"There is that comfort factor where the boys feel that Ravi is like an elder brother to them and they can go and talk to him about whatever they want." (Related read: Seniors given a break, Rahane to lead India in Zimbabwe)
Shastri first took up the Team Director's position during India's tour to England last year. His tenure was till the end of the World Cup earlier this year but was given an extension. His re-appointment was largely based on positive feedback from Team India members, including Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
Asked if bringing positivity to the team comes naturally to him, Shastri said he preferred direct talk over sugar-coated words.
"It does (bringing positivity come naturally to me), but to reflect that on other personalities requires some straight talking," he said. "It's basically about making them believe in their own abilities and that as a unit they are one of the best in the world."
The 2011 world champions are currently on a low. The defeats in Bangladesh have lowered the morale and a rumoured dressing room rift is threatening to create a wedge.
Shastri however has backed both his captains - Dhoni and Kohli. "What people don't realise is that there is tremendous mutual respect there between Virat Kohli and M.S. Dhoni," Shastri said. (Read full report here)
Shastri will now have some time off - alongwith Team India seniors - as Ajinkya Rahane leads a second-string team for three ODIs and two T20Is. The period off the field, believes Shastri, will help him and India regulars unwind and come back harder. "I always have a chillax pill in my pocket. I just tell them (players), 'Get a bottle of water and take this'."
Life may well get a whole lot easier for Team India in the coming months. With the newlook ODI side expected to dominate in Zimbabwe and return for a string of home assignments, return to winning ways may be almost assured. Complacency though can be a cruel mistress, one that 'elder brother' Shastri will help his players fight against.