‘Shikhar, Vijay will open in SA’
› You look at experience; you look at variety so that’s what Shikhar brings in, a left hand, right hand combination and is a must. RAVI SHASTRI, India coach
MUMBAI: Ever since Ravi Shastri took over from Anil Kumble as the coach of Indian team, the team has not lost even a single Test. However, with majority of these victories coming in familiar conditions, his real test will be in South Africa where India are scheduled to play a three-test series, beginning at Newlands.
Though India are currently involved in a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, Shastri has already started planning for the upcoming battle against the Proteas. With the opening combination holding key for any team’s success in away tours, Shastri has revealed the name of the first choice Indian openers for the series. While KL Rahul has impressed everyone with his technique and temperament, Shastri has decided to give the role of facing the new ball to Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan.
“You look at experience; you look at variety so that’s what Shikhar brings in, a left hand, right hand combination so he is a must. He has got lots of runs. Vijay the most experienced and a very good record overseas and he brings solidity (sic),” Shastri said talking to CNN-NEWS18.
On Rahul, the 55-year old said that though the youngster has been the most improved batsman in the last 18 months, he would have to wait for his opportunity at this stage. He also added that Rahul would need to learn to convert his 50s and 60s into big 100s and 150s.
“Young Rahul is immensely talented and he will get his opportunity at some stage. He might have to wait for a while but he will get his opportunity think he was the most improved player in the last 18 months. It’s just unfortunate that he didn’t convert those 60s into 150s but he will learn (sic),” he said.
Shastri also spoke about the debate surrounding Sri Lanka team’s refusal to field during the recently-held Kotla Test due to rising pollution levels in the Indian capital. While trying to downplay the issue, he said that the threat of pollution was real.
“Let’s face it, there was pollution. And I think it is soon going to come within the rules in future. Just as you had a light meter you will have a pollution meter. And you might have to draw a line. That if this thing goes above this, or if in a certain time of year the pollution is above a certain level, you don’t play then. Ït is as simple as that. It’s just like on a golf course. If there is lightning, it doesn’t matter whether it is a major or whatever. It is dangerous, so people leave,” he said.