Can't see Virat Kohli’s record as a skipper against Australia being emulated: Ravi Shastri

India’s track record against Australia has not been a glorious one but ever since Virat Kohli took over the reins, the trend seemed to have discontinued. Virat, who became the first Indian skipper to have won a Test series in Australia, is also the only Indian skipper to have won both home and away series against the mighty Aussies. According to head coach Ravi Shastri, it’s not going to be easy replicating Virat Kohli’s feat as a captain against Australia.

“I cannot see Virat’s feat of winning against Australia both at home and away being emulated by another Indian captain for a very long time, cricket.com.au quoted Shastri as saying in ‘India’s 71-Year Test: The Journey to Triumph in Australia book.

“The satisfaction gained in registering India’s first series win in Australia after 71 years of heartbreak was immense,” Shastri added.

Shastri reasoned why the current Indian deserves all the respect.

“The great thing about success in Australia is that it does not come easily. As a professional sportsperson, you know that when you win the hard way, you command respect,” Shastri said.

Shastri thought that it’s the depth in the Indian fast bowling that has helped them in great deal against Australia.

“Indian teams have done well in Australia since the turn of the (21st) century, but did not have the depth of fast-bowling resources. That is why this Indian team commanded respect from the hard-to-please Aussies like few others in the past,” he added.

Meanwhile, India are currently led by Ajinkya Rahane in the Test series as regular skipper Virat Kohli is on a paternity leave.