When Ravi Shastri was made the Team Director of Team India, many of us thought that it was just a cosmetic move by the BCCI, after the forgettable Test series. Immediately after Shastri’s appointment, many media reports suggested that MS Dhoni wasn’t happy with Shastri’s inclusion.
But now, after a much improved performance in the ODI series, things are looking a lot more settled in the Team India camp. The battle of supremacy in the dressing room, has ended, it seems. And the final phase of the preparations for the all important Cricket World Cup 2015 has started on a very bright note.
Shastri’s appointment played a very positive role in Team India’s triumph in the ODI series. He was seen taking one-to-one with players. He was seen helping them in the nets. And those who were watching the match through the press box, say that Shastri was always very pro-active in the training sessions.
Speaking to ‘ESPNCricinfo’, Shastri
seemed satisfied about his role.
“I got more than I would have expected. I say that only because of England’s record at home, not many sides have thrashed them 3-0 in a four-ODI series. It is a big achievement: from what they were mentally after the Test series defeat, and then to respond in that fashion made me feel proud,” he said.
“I had to make it (the dressing room) a place where the boys wanted to enjoy themselves. I was very clear when I said I am doing this job because I believe in them. And that was enough. As I got talking to them one on one, things started falling in place,” he added.
Many players have come out and said that Shastri’s inclusion made dressing room a better place. Shikhar Dhawan credited Ravi Shastri for his innings of 97* in the 5th ODI.
Shastri, however, was non-committal on his own future with the team.
“One step at a time…My job was to be with the team for the ODI series. They have won it. I want to let that sink. I will return to India and then think about the future.”
