Kohli-Shastri era begins

Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri, the captain-coach duo that is now at the helm of Indian cricket held their first joint news conference of the current era on Wednesday, on the eve of India's Sri Lanka Tour.

India is set to play three tests, five ODIs and one T20s starting July 26. This will be the second series to Sri Lanka in which Ravi Shastri will be head coach.

On being asked about his new role, Ravi Shastri said:

'The fabric of Indian cricket will remain. It is not about Shastri. It's about the effort that has been put in over the last three years.(his first spell as coach)'

Virat Kohli then added on their working style:

'We have worked together for three years so you can understand that we have a working groove - what's expected vs. what's on the plate. I don't expect there to be challenges in us working together.'

The Indian captain was then asked if he feels under pressure to come up with the goods, to which he replied:

'Don't believe there is any added pressure. What has to happen will happen. We've all faced criticism in the past. Being criticised is not new and we're familiar with how this works. I certainly don't take any added pressure because the response has been given to me. I only started off as a player and I wanted to do the best for the team and I will continue to take up that responsibility till the time that I am captain or am kept in this position. If you focus on external factors, it's like going out to bat and thinking that you're going to get out.'

Ravi Shastri was then asked for his opinion on Virat Kohli. He said:

'There's a track record. He knows these boys better than I do because he's been in the system for 15 years. Virat's strengths and qualities are there for all to see.'

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