"I identified an uncut diamond in Virat Kohli": Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri opened up on how Virat Kohli was always ready to face tough challenges.

By Rashmi Nanda - 10 Feb, 2024

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri shared his views on the shift from individual excellence to team success. He also highlighted the rise of Virat Kohli as a promising leader.

Speaking in an interview for 'The Times' with former England captain Michael Atherton, Shastri compared Kohli to an "uncut diamond," as he was lauding the former Indian skipper’s natural leadership qualities and unwavering dedication to Test cricket.

Ravi Shastri told Michael Atherton: “I wanted to win and to make Test cricket paramount and identified an uncut diamond in Virat Kohli.”

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The commentator also spoke about how Kohli was always ready to face tough challenges and lauded his commitment to playing tough cricket, which resonates with his coaching style.

Shastri added, “We made it a free-for-all in the nets. You were allowed to bounce the shit out of anyone. He was the first guy to embrace it; he was quite prepared to look ugly in the nets and the mindset changed.”

On India's share of ICC revenues, Shastri advocated for a fair and equitable strategy. He feels enough funds should be provided to cricket boards that are in great need while promoting the growth of the sport globally.

(With PTI Inputs)

By Rashmi Nanda - 10 Feb, 2024

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