Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra reckons Ravi Shastri’s appointment for the head coach role came as a blessing for skipper Virat Kohli after the controversial ending of Anil Kumble's tenure.
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As per Nehra, both Virat and Shastri complement each other well and that the partnership should not always be judged on the basis of results but also on the way the team plays its cricket.
During his one-year term, Kumble turned out to be one of the most successful coaches with India excelling in all formats of the game, especially in Test cricket. But due to differences arising between him and Kohli, the legendary spinner stepped down from his post following the 2017 Champions Trophy.
Nehra also feels that the end could have been better for Kumble.
"The coach and the captain have to work hand-in-hand. The No. 1 preference is the team. Having spent 8-9 months together with them, there are some differences, like playing XI all those kinds of things. But those are part and parcel of the job. Trust is the main thing," Nehra told Star Sports Cricket Connected show.
"Both of them are similar personalities. It's not that all the time, you have to agree on things. Few things you have to let go. It's not like the captain is the last decision maker or the coach. For me, it has to be the 50-50 partnership.
"Even if it's 49-51, some people have struggled. It should have been a better end... the way Anil Kumble-Virat Kohli partnership didn't work. Maybe they were different kinds of personalities, that will happen in any sport but this partnership has really helped Virat Kohli especially after that thing happened, it was not easy for Virat, not easy for any human being.
"From there, Ravi Shastri has picked Virat Kohli and really supported him. It has been great for Indian cricket team. Yes, you judge a coach or captain with results but for me, it's very important how you play," he elaborated.
Further speaking on Shastri, Nehra said the current India coach is a great motivator and that's one of his major strengths.
"Ravi Shastri gives Virat Kohli space that he needs. Virat Kohli knows the type of person Ravi Shastri is and what can be extracted from him.
"Ravi Shastri is a great motivator, that is Ravi bhai's strength. He gives you a lot of confidence. If you are stuck in quicksand till your neck, he will ask you to push with your hands twice and you would come out. Virat Kohli also likes leading from the front. Both have similar personalities. So, it is very good between the two of them," he remarked.
