Great respect between Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli: Michael Slater

Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli have formed one of the most popular and successful coach-captain duos in recent times. According to former Australia batsman Michael Slater, the combination works well because both of them are strong personalities. Under Shastri-Kohli, India’s record, particularly in the overseas, has been phenomenal, bringing some unprecedented accolades like a Test series victory in Australia. 

Slater, who was speaking in the latest episode of chat show Cricket Connected on Star Sports, said, “Ravi and Virat probably challenge each other enough but there is such respect between them that it works.”

“If Ravi is nodding his head when Virat is speaking and vice versa, the rest of them even if they don’t agree would be nodding their heads,” Slater added.

Terming Shastri, who is known for his booming voice, one his great mates from the commentary days of the Indian coach, Slater said, “Both of them (Shastri and Kohli) have their heart on their sleeve. I have worked with Ravi for so long in the commentary box, so I have got to know him and he was one of my great mates when we worked together. He is a big personality."

But it is not just about agreements and compatibility, Slater thinks that it’s also the difference of opinion that helps them function better as a team. “But obviously there are subtle differences that allow them to really work well together. But it has been a great synergy and a great relationship and I think it has helped Indian cricket’s tempo,” he added.

Former India pacer Ashish Nehra believes that the combination has worked so well for the team because the coach gives the captain the space to express himself. “Ravi Shastri gives Virat Kohli his space, that he needs. Virat Kohli knows the type of person Ravi Shastri is and what can be extracted from him,” Nehra said on the same show.

“Ravi Shastri is a great motivator, that is Ravi bhai’s strength. He gives you a lot of confidence. If you are stuck in quicksand till your neck, he will ask you to push with your hands twice and you would come out. Virat Kohli also likes leading from the front. Both have similar personalities. So, it is very good between the two of them,” he concluded.