Indian cricketers unwilling to let Ravi Shastri go, want his contract extended

Ravi Shastri during a press conference

According to a number of reports, Ravi Shastri's contract as the Team Director of the Indian national cricket side could be renewed following numerous requests to extend the 53-year-old's stay from some of the senior Indian cricketers.

Shastri was appointed as the Team Director in mid-2014. The former Indian all-rounder did a wonderful job with the current crop of Indian players and was rewarded with a contract extension which was due to end after the conclusion of the ICC World T20 2016.

However, it is believed that a number of senior Indian cricketers including Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin are unwilling to let him go courtesy the “aggression” and  “positivity” that Ravi Shastri has brought to the Indian dressing room.

In a recent interview given to The Indian Express, a top BCCI official said, “We consulted the players recently on who they want to be the head of the team and many senior players were all praise for the work done by Shastri and have said that they would be really happy if he continues in his role. A decision would be made soon.”

Later, he also added, “There won’t be a Team Director and a full-time coach. It will be only one post, and even Ravi’s contract can come up for renewal.”

Earlier on 1 April, BCCI secretary, Anurag Thakur told the press, “Ravi Shastri's contract has ended. We are looking at a full-time coach and the decision will be taken by the Cricket Advisory Committee.”

“It will entirely be CAC's call. But it will be the post of a full-time coach. CAC has been asked to shortlist the names of the possible candidates for the post,” Thakur added.

Incidentally, the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprises of former Indian cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman.

Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin's take on Shastri

Earlier this year, Virat Kohli spoke about the affirmative influence that the 53-year-old has had on the Indian test captain. “He (Ravi Shastri) told me to stand outside the crease and widen my stance after the England tour, and it worked wonders for me in Australia,” Kohli told the press.

“As far as captaincy is concerned, he would like to let people learn themselves. But if need be, he will come and tell you. So when he sees something that a batsman is being bogged down in a particular area, he will tell you a solution about what can be done,” the 27-year-old added.

The 29-year-old Indian off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin has also previously spoken about Ravi Shashtri's positive impact on the team.

“I am someone who likes talking cricket and discussing cricket. Especially with him (Shastri) around, he is someone who enjoys the same pattern. When we talk and discuss a lot, new opportunities open up to try a few things. The improvement has already started,” he told the reporters.