The camaraderie between the Indian captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri is there for everyone to see.
The two have enjoyed a cordial captain-coach relationship during India’s journey from number seven in Test cricket, to being handed the coveted Test maze. Shastri was appointed as the coach after Duncan Fletcher’s termination of the contract with BCCI in 2013-2014 season.
Shastri had always received backing from captain Kohli, even when the CAC appointed Anil Kumble as the Indian head coach.
Citing untenable relationship with the captain, Kumble resigned from the esteemed position post-2017 Champions Trophy. Subsequently, Shastri was reinstated by the BCCI as the head coach for his second stint with the team, after consultation with Kohli.
Earlier, post India’s disastrous tenure under Greg Chappell, which ultimately culminated into the humiliating Indian exit from the 2007 World Cup, Shastri took over as Team Director with team in the doldrums.
The former Indian legend has witnessed the golden moments of Indian cricket from close quarters, as a cricketer, then commentator and now in the dressing room as the head coach.
From the 1983 World Cup, Yuvraj’s six sixes in 2007 World Cup, and 2011 World Cup win, Shastri has been a common denominator for Indian cricket in all the highs and even lows.
The famous phrase – ‘Dhoni finishes off in style,’ was voiced by Shastri and has been etched in the memories of an ordinary Indian fan. Today, Shastri celebrates his 58th birthday and received a warm message from the Indian captain.
“Many seem confident but only few are brave. Happy birthday Ravi bhai. God bless,” captioned Kohli’s post. The wishes came along with a picture of him with Shastri and MS Dhoni, which was taken during India’s tour of England in 2018.
Many seem confident but only few are brave. Happy birthday Ravi bhai. God bless 👍👏😊 . #throwback pic.twitter.com/fId9yMB3IH
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 27, 2020
Over the past six years, Dhoni, Kohli and Shastri have proved to be the three musketeers of Indian cricket, with the common vision of world dominance.
