Ravi Shastri was the coach of the Indian cricket team. During this time, Virat Kohli was the captain of Team India. Previously, Ravi Shastri held the role of team director. Statistics show that the Indian team performed well during Ravi Shastri’s tenure. Apart from Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri worked with Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Now he has expressed his views on Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Ravi Shastri called Virat Kohli a ‘diamond in the rough’. He said that he is well aware of Virat Kohli’s abilities as a captain.
Ravi Shastri said that at that time many players were doing well individually, but I wanted the team to do well. My aim was that the Indian team learned to win continuously. Team India achieved great success, especially in the Test format. When Mahi was captain, my eyes were on Virat Kohli. I had told Virat Kohli right at the start that it may take some time but be prepared. He also praised Virat Kohli’s passion for the Test format.
Ravi Shastri says that Virat Kohli was very attached to the Test format, he liked this format. He always challenged himself and was up for difficulties, his mindset was very similar to mine. When you play against teams like Australia and Pakistan, there are no excuses. But Virat Kohli showed how to actually play the Test format by winning back-to-back series in Australia and England.