Updated August 17th, 2019 at 15:51 IST

Ravi Shastri issues first statement after re-appointment as Team India coach, here's what he said

Indian coach Ravi Shastri embraced his re-appointment as the head coach for the men's senior team and said that he was there to take up the challenge of making the Men in Blue a formidable and unforgettable side at the end of his 26-month tenure. 

Reported by: Koushik Narayanan
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Indian coach Ravi Shastri embraced his re-appointment as the head coach for the men's senior team and said that he was there to take up the challenge of making the Men in Blue a formidable and unforgettable side at the end of his 26-month tenure. 

Ravi Shastri all praises for Men in Blue

In an interview that was posted by BCCI, the former Indian cricketer reveals his future plans for the side, after a successful two-year stint with the team since he took over the reins in 2017.  He said that the team has learnt a lot through its losses but said that the team had beaten every other side in their own backyard. He stressed that the team was collectively trying to keep the consistency going 

"I would like to thank the Cricket Advisory Committee for placing faith in me and reappointing me as head coach. I feel that this team has the potential to leave behind a legacy, something that other teams would want to, and we are right on track. The team has been superbly consistent and that's a bar that they have set. Yes, there are mistakes made and there is room for improvement", he said. 

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Smooth transition and best fielding unit: Shastri reveals plans for future

Ravi Shastri laid out his plans for the Men in Blue over the next two years and placed a large focus on the smooth transition of the team by the end of his tenure. Shastri said that the team was going to see a huge influx of youngsters in the coming days and that it was exciting and essential to nurture and groom them for the big leagues.

The head coach laid out special emphasis on making India the best fielding side in the world. He said that fielding was a very important part of the game and that the team was already an excellent fielding unit. 

"Whosoever wants to play for Team India in the future, their fielding skills will also be taken seriously as Iwant to make India the best fielding side in the world", he said.  

Shastri hints at the team's future

Speaking about the immense number of talents waiting to play for the national side, Shastri said that the team would rope in more youngsters in both the white-ball setup and the longer format of the game. He stressed on the need to include three or four more bowlers in the Test format and said that he would attempt to create a balanced side that would etch its name in the history of Indian cricket by the time his tenure expires. 

"It is an honour and privilege to work with the Indian team and to be associated with cricket in this country", concluded Shastri.  

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Published August 17th, 2019 at 14:26 IST