Shastri has done wonders by making Kohli the boss: Gaekwad

KOLKATA: Rating each bowler a match winner, former India coach Anshuman Gaekwad said the kind of options this team is blessed with, India never had going into a World Cup.

“We have a very balanced side — both in the batting and bowling department. And especially with the fast bowlers and spinners, the kind of option the Indian team has today, I don’t think we have ever had this kind of options,” Gaekwad said. “Our bowlers, spinners or pacers, are match winners on any given condition.” The pace battery of the Virat Kohli-led Indian team has the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, whom many rate as the world’s best especially with the white ball, in-form Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar who is expected to swing the ball both-ways in English conditions.

In the spin bowling department, wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have struck gold for India so far and will be expected to continue the good work in their maiden World Cup campaign.

Gaekwad, who featured for India in 40 Tests and 15 ODIS, also heaped praise on head coach Ravi Shastri, saying Shastri operates the way he used to during his time with the team. “He has done well right from the beginning. He has put captain (Kohli) as the boss of the team. He has taken a backseat unlike Greg Chappell. I did the same with (Md) Azharuddin when he was the captain. Ravi has a great understanding with the captain and is a great man manager. Knowing Virat, the way he pushes the players everyone has to be on their toes and Ravi also helps in that.”