Ravi Shastri unperturbed by criticism, says "last one to press panic button"

Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri has come under fire following a grueling one month tour of England that concluded recently. Despite a 1-4 thrashing at the hands of England, Shastri has been bullish in the team's defense. 

In the defense of the team's dismal performances, he referred the current crop of players as the "best Indian team in 15 years." However, his comments have seemed to not go do well with fans and former players in the Indian cricket fraternity. 

Responding to the criticism, he insists to be unperturbed by the flak received while suggesting that he was the "last one to press the panic button". Shastri was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo, "Last one to press the panic button when I see so many positives. I head back home with a very positive state of mind. I know exactly what we do. I know exactly and clearly where the team is heading - it is heading in the right direction."

WATCH: Virat Kohli Hits Back At Reporter's Question About Being “the Best Indian Side In 15 Years"

Earlier, the Indian cricket team skipper was put in a spot during the post-match press conference, with a journalist asking him to respond to Ravi Shastri’s claim that this is the best Indian team in the last 10-15 years. Virat Kohli laid his faith in his team's ability and asked what the reporter thought. In response to an "I am not sure" from the questioning scribe, an angry Virat Kohli snapped back at the reporter saying, "That's your opinion. Thank you very much."

READ: MS Dhoni Reveals Reasons Behind Stepping Down As Captain

Now, Ravi Shastri's next assignment is the 2018 Asia Cup. He would have to make do without the services of his most trusted lieutenant, Virat Kohli. In the 32-year old's absence the team will be led by Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan will be his deputy. 

India will start the tournament as the favorite, despite missing the services of Kohli. Though, they must expect tough competition from Sarfraz Ahmed's Pakistan, who won the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. 

Then there are Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, who have quality in them, but don't seem much capable of posing threat to other two. Finally, Hong Kong will be expected to savor the chance of fighting against the best teams in the world, though, expecting them to spring a surprise is far-fetched.

READ: Asia Cup 2018: Here's All You Need To Know About This Year's Tournament

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