IMAGE: India’s Head Coach Ravi Shastri
Former Test player Chetan Chauhan spoke out on Sunday, urging the removal of Ravi Shastri from his role as head coach. He holds Shastri accountable for the disastrous 4-1 series loss to England and believes the change must happen before the November tour of Australia.
Chauhan remarked that Shastri should be replaced before the Australian trip, suggesting that Shastri's true strength is in cricket commentary and he should be encouraged to return to that profession.
He strongly disagreed with Ravi Shastri's assertion that Virat Kohli's current team is the greatest traveling side in history, claiming that the 1980s Indian team was far superior in that regard.
The controversy stems from a comment Shastri made following India's win at Trent Bridge on August 16, where he hailed his team as the world's best traveling squad.
Regarding the Asia Cup taking place in Dubai, Chauhan believes the team is well-positioned for success due to a healthy balance of young energy and experienced leadership.
Throughout his career from 1969 to 1981, Chauhan appeared in 40 Test matches and scored a total of 2,084 runs.
His Test career came full circle against New Zealand, debuting against them in Mumbai in 1969 and playing his final match against them in Auckland in 1981; he also featured in seven ODIs.
Chauhan joins a growing list of prominent figures calling for Shastri's departure, including former captain Sourav Ganguly and batting legend Virender Sehwag.