This is the India’s strongest team since the 2011 ODI World Cup, says the Indian cricket team’s ex-head coach, Ravi Shastri. Ravi Shastri puts forward his views on Indian team selection and the skipper ahead of India’s first Asia Cup encounter.
STRONGEST TEAM AND FAVOURITES
Ex-head coach of the Indian cricket team Ravi Shastri said that India will start as the favorites. He also praised Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and expressed that the captain is experienced and understands the territory better than many. In addition, Shastri added that India has a good record against Pakistan, but in the last few years, Pakistan has managed to eliminate the difference. He further said that Pakistan has yet to overcome India.
Ravi Shastri stated by ESPNcricinfo
“I would say India start as favourites. This is their strongest team since 2011, this mix of players. And a captain who is seasoned, who understands the terrain better than most. Having said that, Pakistan have narrowed the gap. Seven-eight years (ago), there was a gap if you looked at the strength of both teams and man to man. But Pakistan have narrowed it down. They are a very good side, so you have to be on top of your game”
In the India vs. Pakistan game, Ravi Shastri conveyed that it is all about handling the pressure well rather than the previous form of the players. He stated:
“It is about who handles pressure better. And never go by form before an India-Pakistan game, because the tough-minded, mentally strong guys might not have done much six months back, but come the India-Pakistan game, they will come (to the fore). They know the importance of that game, they know where it can catapult them if they do well. Their juices will be fired up”
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