Virat Kohli - How will Indian victory in Australia affect his influence and position as captain?

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Let me start by saying outright - Kohli will come back as Indian captain and their best batsman after this series - as is his right.

However, I do see his outsized influence on the team getting its first real hit.

Indian national and domestic teams have shown, in Asia cup earlier and in IPL, that they play well even without Kohli as captain. In Australia, they have demonstrated they play better.

Real tests of course lie in NZ/Eng/SA away, traditional hard places for India to tour, but it may be worth punting in the future to try a new captain.

Kohli as player is far more important than Kohli as player - particularly when Rehane has shown he can take captaincy pressures off Kohli.

Next year or so will show how the Kohli brand rises to the challenge. Knowing him, challenges are what make him who he is.

Kohli has a point to prove.

[Varun]

This series proves there is an alternative always available.

The next time he and dumb Shastri fiddle around with nonsense selections again (dropping Pujara, selecting Saha etc), we know we have better brains in the shed.

[chuck]

I feel the team is coming on it's own withoout Kohli dominance and that's great for the team. No superstas and a number of players standing up when it matters, which is fantastic to see. BCCI should extend his vacation until he is really hungry to come back.

[JattMaula]

Kaptaan will remain captain and in control of dressing room.

But this win is very good for team India in long term. It will give dividends still unseen.

[hoshiarpurexpress]

He is the top dog and remain such and rightly so. The fast bowling culture is built by him.

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Many are missing the point. RCB quota picks Siraj and Sundar have done remarkably well and it is him who built this fast bowling culture in test cricket for India.

It's easy to look down on a man when not around!

[princeuk]

Kohli and Shastri are too close for anything else to get in the way, hence why Kumble was ousted in the first place.

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Kohli and Shastri are too close for anything else to get in the way, hence why Kumble was ousted in the first place.

Kumble was disliked even by Pujara and Rahane. even though a good man he had this I control all attitude which never works for coaches in India.

[sensible-indian-fan]

Kumble was disliked even by Pujara and Rahane. even though a good man he had this I control all attitude which never works for coaches in India.

Source?

[Dark_Horse]

Rahane and Rohit are far better captains in test and LO cricket respectively than kohli. I was surprised by the Rahane’s captaincy in the dharmashala test where he played kuldeep and won the match and series than again today. I became his captaincy fan that day and for rohit he is amazing captain in limited overs whereas kohli is indeed a better player than both

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Source?

It is clear from how things went south in the dressing room. I am sure it is definitely not because of 1 player a coach like Kumble will be changed.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

No one is talking about Mumbai lobby now?

[Mamoon]

The character of this Indian team is Kohli’s legacy. He is the greatest Asian Test captain of all time. What a leader.

India would be a different team today if he wasn’t the captain. Different in a worse way.

[sensible-indian-fan]

It is clear from how things went south in the dressing room. I am sure it is definitely not because of 1 player a coach like Kumble will be changed.

There were 2 sets created from.what I hear.

Pujara, KL rahul, ash, Saha and likely rahane were in support of Kumble.

Rahane and Kumble went for Kuldeep and won the series.

Kohli was against Kuldeep.

[Nikhil_cric]

Many are missing the point. RCB quota picks Siraj and Sundar have done remarkably well and it is him who built this fast bowling culture in test cricket for India.

It's easy to look down on a man when not around!

And it's perfectly acceptable to acknowledge his contributions while recognising that we actually have better man-managers and tacticians than Kohli. i don't think we should allow Kohli/Shastri authoritarian powers which has been holding indian cricket back.

[chuck]

It was Rahane's team and his moment. Let this not be diluted by Kohli talks - he left the team at it's lowest point for Rahane to pick up pieces. And Boy, how the captain (Rahane) has led from the front - yet to lose a test match as a captain.

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

WHAT A WIN!!! Yessssss. To everyone who doubted us after Adelaide, stand up and take notice. Exemplary performance but the grit and determination was the standout for us the whole way. Well done to all the boys and the management. Enjoy this historic feat lads. Cheers �������� @BCCI pic.twitter.com/CgWElgOOO1

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 19, 2021

[silentkiller187]

WHAT A WIN!!! Yessssss. To everyone who doubted us after Adelaide, stand up and take notice. Exemplary performance but the grit and determination was the standout for us the whole way. Well done to all the boys and the management. Enjoy this historic feat lads. Cheers �������� @BCCI pic.twitter.com/CgWElgOOO1

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 19, 2021

The team only stood up once he disappeared, I think India would have lost with him still in charge. A cool head like Rahane was needed to ensure heads did not drop after the 37 humbling.

[Mean&Green]

The team only stood up once he disappeared, I think India would have lost with him still in charge. A cool head like Rahane was needed to ensure heads did not drop after the 37 humbling.

Exactly

[Saurav]

Rahane and Pant will be dropped first chance they give.Kohli doesn't like to share the limelight

[Sir Alex]

About as much as Ponting's captaincy was affected by Gilchrist winning the India series in 2004.

[JaDed]

I hope he learns there are other ways to win a series with better planning not do or die esp the last 2 tests we showed that.

I hope he learns, as a batsman he learnt a lot but as a captain he is being ignorant at times

[AMSS]

Kohli isn't a particularly intelligent guy. Has a massive ego and is also bullheaded. All of these factors at play will combine to make him double down on his failed ideas and methods in order to prove himself and eventually embarrass himself.

[pillionrider]

Kohli isn't a particularly intelligent guy.

His ridiculous growth as a batsman doesn't suggest this. It's more a case of flying too high all alone. If this hasn't brought him crashing down to earth, nothing well.

[Saurav]

His ridiculous growth as a batsman doesn't suggest this. It's more a case of flying too high all alone. If this hasn't brought him crashing down to earth, nothing well.

Batting is different from team tactics

[Saurav]

With Kohli we either dominate from word go or lose.There is no back to the wall wins/performances

[Cric Talk]

Can’t imagine this stupid once dropped pujara..

[jnaveen1980]

Kohli isn't a particularly intelligent guy. Has a massive ego and is also bullheaded. All of these factors at play will combine to make him double down on his failed ideas and methods in order to prove himself and eventually embarrass himself.

He has the hunger that's it. Not a methodical guy who gets the best out of other players. Under Rahane Indians refused to back down

[Saurav]

He'll play more politics now

[rhony]

Won't impact anything. Not too long ago, Rahane was fighting for a place in the team. With some terrific youngsters pushing through, his place will be in doubt soon enough. He's been a sub par performer. Kohli fundamentally changed the attitude and ethos of these test teams and he will walk in like a boss. Can't say the same about T20s and ODIs. There, India has Rohit whos on par with Kohli and has a great captaincy record. But, knowing the influence Kohli wields over BCCI, he will be the captain for atleast 3 years in all formats.

[pillionrider]

Batting is different from team tactics

But you can't be stupid and still be a great batsman.

[MP2011]

His ridiculous growth as a batsman doesn't suggest this. It's more a case of flying too high all alone. If this hasn't brought him crashing down to earth, nothing well.

Our spectacular failures in ICCCT in '17 and ODI WC in '19 didn't crash him down though. 2 monumental failures which were mostly due to his idiotic selections!

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

But you can't be stupid and still be a great batsman.

Batting and captaincy are two different kinds of smarts

That's why some of the best batsmen make terrible captains.

[MP2011]

He'll play more politics now

Yeah, that's my biggest worry.

[aloo paratha]

I've always felt that Kohli has held the team back. Rohit should be captain in the shorter formats. rahane seems good for tests.

[Hasan123]

Kohli will remain as India captain. Our fans new coping mechanism is to say India are a better team without Kohli lol.

[Rightarmfast]

It is clear from how things went south in the dressing room. I am sure it is definitely not because of 1 player a coach like Kumble will be changed.

Then its not a source, its just your assumption. And no, Kumble wasn't disliked by others.

[sensible-indian-fan]

His ridiculous growth as a batsman doesn't suggest this. It's more a case of flying too high all alone. If this hasn't brought him crashing down to earth, nothing well.

Some high performers are thinking geniuses in their field of expertise and a complete fiasco outside it.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Batting and captaincy are two different kinds of smarts

That's why some of the best batsmen make terrible captains.

Sachin Tendulkar is the biggest example.

[sensible-indian-fan]

And it's perfectly acceptable to acknowledge his contributions while recognising that we actually have better man-managers and tacticians than Kohli. i don't think we should allow Kohli/Shastri authoritarian powers which has been holding indian cricket back.

Perfectly put.

We can appreciate Kohli while acknowledging how vastly superior Rahane the captain has been.

[MP2011]

Then its not a source, its just your assumption. And no, Kumble wasn't disliked by others.

This. Only 1 man had problems with Kumble and he succeeded in his designs and he promptly got his yes man in the job.

[CricketAnalyst]

Kohli has one more chance in a major tournament.

If the T20 World Cup doesn't go to plan, he will be replaced as white-ball captain.

The Rohit camp has plenty of supporters as well and as soon as there's a good enough excuse Kohli's monopoly will be cut.

[pillionrider]

Batting is different from team tactics

Batting and captaincy are two different kinds of smarts

That's why some of the best batsmen make terrible captains.

Some high performers are thinking geniuses in their field of expertise and a complete fiasco outside it.

My original response on his intelligence was in response to this.

Kohli isn't a particularly intelligent guy.

It wasn't in the context of his captaincy being intelligent or something which can often be as flat as it gets.

[MP2011]

Kohli has one more chance in a major tournament.

If the T20 World Cup doesn't go to plan, he will be replaced as white-ball captain.

The Rohit camp has plenty of supporters as well and as soon as there's a good enough excuse Kohli's monopoly will be cut.

He has already got too many chances to win silverware.

[SamNJ]

Limelight completely shifted from him. Nowhere in the most historic scene created by this generation.
He must be hating it.

[Saurav]

Some Kohli gems for who think he's a great captain

Dropping Pujara in first two Tests in England.

Dropping Rahane in first two Tests in SA,for Rohit.

Dropping Bhuvi right after he had a great game in CapeTown



These are just from top of my head,I'm sure I can add more

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Sachin Tendulkar is the biggest example.

Bigger example is Mohamed Asif. Genius with the ball, disastrous in everything outside of it.

[MP2011]

Some Kohli gems for who think he's a great captain

Dropping Pujara in first two Tests in England.

Dropping Rahane in first two Tests in SA,for Rohit.

Dropping Bhuvi right after he had a great game in CapeTown



These are just from top of my head,I'm sure I can add more

Playing 2 spinners at Lord's.

Not playing Pant and Gill in Adelaide test while playing Saha and Shaw over them despite the former being in red hot form in the practice games.

[Smbhayi]

The team only stood up once he disappeared, I think India would have lost with him still in charge. A cool head like Rahane was needed to ensure heads did not drop after the 37 humbling.

Not really, we're good position to push for win before that nightmarish session happened..

[sensible-indian-fan]

My original response on his intelligence was in response to this.



It wasn't in the context of his captaincy being intelligent or something which can often be as flat as it gets.

Yeah... I am saying he's not an intelligent bloke at all.

Just that when batting, his drive makes him seek what's best for him and the team and that makes him look intelligent there.

He has always been a bit weak in the thinking front.

[Saurav]

Playing 2 spinners at Lord's.

Not playing Pant and Gill in Adelaide test while playing Saha and Shaw over them despite the former being in red hot form in the practice games.

Saha might have played 2nd Test too if Kohli was there

[Napa]

The team only stood up once he disappeared, I think India would have lost with him still in charge. A cool head like Rahane was needed to ensure heads did not drop after the 37 humbling.

After 1-2 in SA, 1-4 in England, 0-2 in NZ and 36* in Australia, Kohli does have something to prove in away SENA tours. He should be given one more away SENA tour and if he cannot win it, he should be replaced. With Ganguly as head of BCCI it could happen, we know Ganguly is a man who wants performance.

[pillionrider]

Yeah... I am saying he's not an intelligent bloke at all.

Wholeheartedly disagree, but anyway.

[Rightarmfast]

Some Kohli gems for who think he's a great captain

Dropping Pujara in first two Tests in England.

Dropping Rahane in first two Tests in SA,for Rohit.

Dropping Bhuvi right after he had a great game in CapeTown



These are just from top of my head,I'm sure I can add more

Not playing Shami in the WC semi final against NZ and losing!!!

Not playing Gill and Pant in the first test in this Aussie series

[MP2011]

Saha might have played 2nd Test too if Kohli was there

For sure. Kohli has something against some ultra talented blokes like Gill, Pant etc. I still cringe at the kind of lineups we played during our last SA, NZ and Eng trips.

Kohli is that bad!

[MP2011]

After 1-2 in SA, 1-4 in England, 0-2 in NZ and 36* in Australia, Kohli does have something to prove in away SENA tours. He should be given one more away SENA tour and if he cannot win it, he should be replaced. With Ganguly as head of BCCI it could happen, we know Ganguly is a man who wants performance.

Our next SENA tour is in England. Don't think BCCI should wait for another drubbing of us by entirely beatable Eng in their own den.

[MP2011]

Not playing Shami in the WC semi final against NZ and losing!!!

He didn't play Shami in ICCCT final as well!

[par]

Let me start by saying outright - Kohli will come back as Indian captain and their best batsman after this series - as is his right.

However, I do see his outsized influence on the team getting its first real hit.

Indian national and domestic teams have shown, in Asia cup earlier and in IPL, that they play well even without Kohli as captain. In Australia, they have demonstrated they play better.

Real tests of course lie in NZ/Eng/SA away, traditional hard places for India to tour, but it may be worth punting in the future to try a new captain.

Kohli as player is far more important than Kohli as player - particularly when Rehane has shown he can take captaincy pressures off Kohli.

Next year or so will show how the Kohli brand rises to the challenge. Knowing him, challenges are what make him who he is.

Kohli has a point to prove.

Rahane doesn't play all formats. So he is no threat to Kohli's captaincy.

Kohli has a series win in Aus as well.

[MenInG]

India spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi has advised Virat Kohli to step down as the India captain in Test cricket and hand over the reins to his deputy Ajinkya Rahane who has received widespread praise for his leadership during the tour of Australia. In the absence of Kohli and with his team depleted due to injuries, Rahane led a stunning comeback as India beat Australia 2-1 in a four-match series to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Bedi argues that Kohli should give up the captaincy to concentrate on his batting as any potential failure in leadership could impact his individual performance. Kohli has led India in 56 Tests and boasts of a 58.92 percentage win record with 33 wins and 13 defeats so far.

“I hope I’m not giving the impression of bending my back to build a case for Rahane to take over as Test captain,” Bedi wrote in his column for The Indian Express. “If anything my sincere aim is to prolong Virat Kohli’s batting career for the country. Shared responsibilities in cricket are different from corporate/political fields whence individuals are almost vying for cut-throat glory. In sports, especially cricket, captains can be seen swimming or sinking with the teams they lead.”

Bedi further suggests that India can have three different captains across formats with Rahane leading in Tests while Kohli and Rohit sharing the responsibility in limited-overs cricket.

“Another ticklish thought pops up in my mind: Does India need Virat Kohli the great batsman or Virat Kohli a mediocre captain in the long run? Providence has provided us with an instant option. Rahane can lead in Tests while Kohli and Rohit Sharma can share the duties in white-ball cricket,” he said.

“Maybe Kohli can offer to make an honourable way for Rahane to take over during the series against England at home. I can assure no bad blood would be caused when we ensure that the larger picture on the canvas is Indian cricket,” he added.

Bedi, who took 266 wickets in 67 Tests, praised Rahane’s captaincy while drawing comparisons with the legendary India captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.

“Personally, I am floored with the way Rahane conjured magic from broken bodies around him,” Bedi wrote. “The way he handled his meagre resources reminds me of Tiger Pataudi, who throughout his captaincy tenure was woefully short of a well-rounded unit but his leadership alone gave Indian cricket fresh legs. It was Pataudi who defined an “Indianness” in our cricket. He infused in us a thrilling sense of being together in this ride.

“The hallmark of any captain is his ability to handle the bowling resources. This is where yours truly has become an absolute “mureed” of Rahane. Three Tests is good enough time to assess a captain’s bowling changes and fielding placements. I tried hard but I couldn’t find a single Rahane move which could be questioned by armchair critics like me,” he added.

[JaDed]

Imho Bishan Singh Bedi is one of the most miserable Indian cricketer ever.

[sharmaji]

And quite a bitter critic he is.

Imho Bishan Singh Bedi is one of the most miserable Indian cricketer ever.

[JattMaula]

Imho Bishan Singh Bedi is one of the most miserable Indian cricketer ever.

His views so anti-establishment that they have become parody of themselves. Super unhappy man.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I think most indian fans would like to see Kohli play as a batsman only. He should keep his ego aside and at least resign from LOI captaincy.

[Napa]

Kohli and Shastri are too close for anything else to get in the way, hence why Kumble was ousted in the first place.

There is also Ganguly at BCCI. Another lost series in a SENA country with Kohl as captain, it would be time to try an alternative.

Kohli's record in Australia this series is 0-0-1. Rahane is 2-1-0 with many star players not available. The difference is dramatic.

[Napa]

Not playing Shami in the WC semi final against NZ and losing!!!

Not playing Gill and Pant in the first test in this Aussie series

He didn't play Shami in ICCCT final as well!

To this day I have not figured out what they were thinking when they dropped Umesh from the CT finals. Umesh was the best bowler in the previous league game against Pakistan, with figures of 7.4-1-30-3. His replacement Ashwin ended the finals with figures of 10-0-70-0. What fast bowling culture allegedly fostered by Kohli?

Kohli is a great batsman, definitely India's best and maybe the world's best. His aggressive approach to captaincy has had some benefits. However, he is not the best in selecting a team and getting the best performance out of players on the field.

[Rightarmfast]

To this day I have not figured out what they were thinking when they dropped Umesh from the CT finals. Umesh was the best bowler in the previous league game against Pakistan, with figures of 7.4-1-30-3. His replacement Ashwin ended the finals with figures of 10-0-70-0. What fast bowling culture allegedly fostered by Kohli?

Kohli is a great batsman, definitely India's best and maybe the world's best. His aggressive approach to captaincy has had some benefits. However, he is not the best in selecting a team and getting the best performance out of players on the field.

His stupid team selection has cost India matches more than one time. He is very biased and jealous too. Wouldnt let a star in the making, come into the team. Can someone explain why Gill wasn't played in the 1st test?

[JaDed]

His stupid team selection has cost India matches more than one time. He is very biased and jealous too. Wouldnt let a star in the making, come into the team. Can someone explain why Gill wasn't played in the 1st test?

Shaw was considered bigger star Gill for 2 years.. Gill had to earn it in domestics as well, his dropping from the team after NZ made him tough and now he has taken the chance he got, Virat can make him
insecure for his place true but its upto Gill
to become the man.(for now he has shown he has it in him)

[ex-q-zit]

This series proves there is an alternative always available.

The next time he and dumb Shastri fiddle around with nonsense selections again (dropping Pujara, selecting Saha etc), we know we have better brains in the shed.

Before throwing wild allegations you need to watch the interviews of Bharat Arun and R Shridhar to understand Shastri's role in the success of this tour.

1) Way back in June-July shastri called up Bharat Arun and suggested that they need to cut off the off-side scoring shots of the Aussies as Steve Smith and others scored plenty in the off-side. That is when they planned the leg side bowling.

2) During the Melbourne test after losing the toss Shastri suggested Ashwin to bowl within the first 10 overs of the match as the wicket was damp and would assist spin. He suggested the same to Rahane.

3) After the 36 all out debacle Shastri told everyone to wear the 36 like a badge and that his 36 would make the team great.

4) The reserves bowlers that we all are so proud of didn't parachute overnight. It was the hard work of the past 3 years.

5) On the night of 36 all out Virat met all the coaches along with Rahane and they decided to strengthen their bowling even though they were shot for 36. That is how Jaddu replaced Virat in the team.

6) This mentality of going for win instead of draw didn't start during the Sydney test or Brisbane test in particular. This started in Adelaide 2014 when we went for chasing 340 odd runs on last day. Unfortunately we lost that match due to a collapse in the last session but the go-getter mentality started from then on. Also Ravi Shastri was the team director then and Virat just took over the reins from MSD.

7) Many people mocked the selection Siraj, Saini and Sundar tht the short-cut to make the Indian team was being in RCB. But Shastri-Virat stand vindicated today. Siraj may not have been a great t20 bowler but he has played over 20 games for India A. This emphasis on having fast bowlers started 3-4 years back and is paying rich dividends today.

You need to stop seeing through the prism of suspicion and look objectively. Yes Shastri-Kohli have made mistakes but who doesn't make mistakes. They are humans not programmed robots. At the same time we cannot deny that this success didn't happen overnight. It was a conscious effort over the past few years. Yes Rahane led wonderfully and deserves all the accolades for leading India to victory. But that doesn't mean we undermine the efforts of others in the background which includes Shastri and Kohli.

I fail to understand this sudden hatred towards Kohli. A reputed news channel in their youtube channel yesterday called Kohli's aggressiveness as a disorder. Many on social media suddenly compare him not winning IPL with the same bowlers and rahane winning the test series and thereby seeking him to step down. How can a t20 tournament be equated with a test series where everything from pitch, ball, attitude, temperament and skill are different? Its like compating apples with oranges just to prove a point.

During these pandemic times we need to enjoy such a positive development instead of demeaning some of the people who are part of such a memorable victory

[ex-q-zit]

Saha might have played 2nd Test too if Kohli was there

In addition to the previous post.

Based on Shridhar's interview it was a collective decision of the coaches, kohli and rahane to blood in lefthanders for the second test as theer were only lright handers in the team. That paved the way for Jaddu and Pant.

I so much hope a detailed documentary is made so that we know all the background stories related to this series.

[princeuk]

Before throwing wild allegations you need to watch the interviews of Bharat Arun and R Shridhar to understand Shastri's role in the success of this tour.

1) Way back in June-July shastri called up Bharat Arun and suggested that they need to cut off the off-side scoring shots of the Aussies as Steve Smith and others scored plenty in the off-side. That is when they planned the leg side bowling.

2) During the Melbourne test after losing the toss Shastri suggested Ashwin to bowl within the first 10 overs of the match as the wicket was damp and would assist spin. He suggested the same to Rahane.

3) After the 36 all out debacle Shastri told everyone to wear the 36 like a badge and that his 36 would make the team great.

4) The reserves bowlers that we all are so proud of didn't parachute overnight. It was the hard work of the past 3 years.

5) On the night of 36 all out Virat met all the coaches along with Rahane and they decided to strengthen their bowling even though they were shot for 36. That is how Jaddu replaced Virat in the team.

6) This mentality of going for win instead of draw didn't start during the Sydney test or Brisbane test in particular. This started in Adelaide 2014 when we went for chasing 340 odd runs on last day. Unfortunately we lost that match due to a collapse in the last session but the go-getter mentality started from then on. Also Ravi Shastri was the team director then and Virat just took over the reins from MSD.

7) Many people mocked the selection Siraj, Saini and Sundar tht the short-cut to make the Indian team was being in RCB. But Shastri-Virat stand vindicated today. Siraj may not have been a great t20 bowler but he has played over 20 games for India A. This emphasis on having fast bowlers started 3-4 years back and is paying rich dividends today.

You need to stop seeing through the prism of suspicion and look objectively. Yes Shastri-Kohli have made mistakes but who doesn't make mistakes. They are humans not programmed robots. At the same time we cannot deny that this success didn't happen overnight. It was a conscious effort over the past few years. Yes Rahane led wonderfully and deserves all the accolades for leading India to victory. But that doesn't mean we undermine the efforts of others in the background which includes Shastri and Kohli.

I fail to understand this sudden hatred towards Kohli. A reputed news channel in their youtube channel yesterday called Kohli's aggressiveness as a disorder. Many on social media suddenly compare him not winning IPL with the same bowlers and rahane winning the test series and thereby seeking him to step down. How can a t20 tournament be equated with a test series where everything from pitch, ball, attitude, temperament and skill are different? Its like compating apples with oranges just to prove a point.

During these pandemic times we need to enjoy such a positive development instead of demeaning some of the people who are part of such a memorable victory

This happens in asian countries, now that rahane has won you guys a improble series win now he is flavour of the month, it will be like Kohil who? our asian audiences are a fickle bunch.

[ManFan]

This is Kohli’s greatest triumph and disaster.

His dictator-like grip on the Indian cricket team has been lost forever.

The spell has broken.

[pillionrider]

Before throwing wild allegations you need to watch the interviews of Bharat Arun and R Shridhar to understand Shastri's role in the success of this tour.
.......

Looks like damage control to wrest any credit Rahane deserves, away from him.

Where was Shastri the tactician on all the other tours when we've fallen apart. Or Shastri and Kohli, the nuanced selectors

Shastri is probably good at managing the team in a motivational way. However, there's no evidence to believe the words of these guys who seem like his drinking buddies.

The less said about Kohli's chop and change, the better - remember the SA journalist who got Kohli snapping at him for mentioning the fact that the test lineup under him had been changed almost every game since he took over?

[ex-q-zit]

Looks like damage control to wrest any credit Rahane deserves, away from him.

Where was Shastri the tactician on all the other tours when we've fallen apart. Or Shastri and Kohli, the nuanced selectors

Shastri is probably good at managing the team in a motivational way. However, there's no evidence to believe the words of these guys who seem like his drinking buddies.

The less said about Kohli's chop and change, the better - remember the SA journalist who got Kohli snapping at him for mentioning the fact that the test lineup under him had been changed almost every game since he took over?

I cant understand why we cannot support Rahane and Kohli instead of the case being Rahane over Kohli or vice versa. In the past 20-30 years how many captains have won in SENA countries? If my memory serves me right its just Dravid in England apart from Kohli and Rahane in Aus. though the latter two had the same coaching staff. So why not give Shastri the credit he deserves. Which other coach has given more than one SENA victory? There is also no evidence to believe they are lying too.

We know have a good fast bowling stock and in the coming tours of ENG and SA we have a good chance of winning considering our batting too is settling in.

By the way, weren't you the same who was asking for Vihari's head until his match saving innings in the 3rd test? We need patience if we want results. All these reserves didn't parachute overnight. Kohli has emphasized on the need of pacers and the hard work put in by bharat arun in the past 3-4 years is yeielding results now. Give this team and captain another year and we will see more victories. If he fails then he can be criticized.

[Sir Alex]

People like Bedi have no idea whats happening in Indian dressing rooms and like oldies who want some attention, speak diatribe for the sake of it.

Imagine if people asked for Ponting to resign after Australia won in India under Gilchrist. It is that ridiculous.

Also BCCI staff and players have indicated how most of the tactical decisions taken were done at a collective level, often by Ravi Shastri. Rahane understandably doesn't have a lot of authority unlike Kohli.

[dildilpak]

To your point, I was watching Ashwin’s youtube videos talking about the test series along with Indian fielding coach - nowhere have they mentioned Rahane being involved in any decision making - looks like it was Shastri making all the important decisions (dont think Ashwin will lie about this). Which is completely understandable because Rahane was only the stand-in skipper . So its absolutely wrong to give all the credit to Rahane just because people hate Kohli & Shastri’s brash personalities.

[dildilpak]

People like Bedi have no idea whats happening in Indian dressing rooms and like oldies who want some attention, speak diatribe for the sake of it.

Imagine if people asked for Ponting to resign after Australia won in India under Gilchrist. It is that ridiculous.

Also BCCI staff and players have indicated how most of the tactical decisions taken were done at a collective level, often by Ravi Shastri. Rahane understandably doesn't have a lot of authority unlike Kohli.

To your point, I was watching Ashwin’s youtube videos talking about the test series along with Indian fielding coach - nowhere have they mentioned Rahane being involved in any decision making - looks like it was Shastri making all the important decisions (dont think Ashwin will lie about this). Which is completely understandable because Rahane was only the stand-in skipper . So its absolutely wrong to give all the credit to Rahane just because people hate Kohli & Shastri’s brash personalities.

[pillionrider]

I cant understand why we cannot support Rahane and Kohli instead of the case being Rahane over Kohli or vice versa.

The question is about captaincy and whether Kohli is a good enough captain. I'd even question if he has the support of the full team anymore.

Unless you want two captains at the same time in the team

By the way, weren't you the same who was asking for Vihari's head until his match saving innings in the 3rd test?

Yes. And I also bid him a warm, congratulatory and respectful goodbye as far as his test career is concerned after the game.

Let's not start talking about what was said or not said. You seem to have come alive here again after Sydney. But if you want to talk old posts, I was one among not many here, who felt India would bounce back after Kohli left. Also was confident right through the Gabba test that we were gonna win, even when we were 150 behind and Thakur, Sundar had just walked in.

On that note, weren't you the same who was confident a Brisbane draw was the best India could hope for. At tea weren't you like - Pant batting India to victory is next to impossible

[pillionrider]

To your point, I was watching Ashwin’s youtube videos talking about the test series along with Indian fielding coach - nowhere have they mentioned Rahane being involved in any decision making - looks like it was Shastri making all the important decisions (dont think Ashwin will lie about this). Which is completely understandable because Rahane was only the stand-in skipper . So its absolutely wrong to give all the credit to Rahane just because people hate Kohli & Shastri’s brash personalities.

Well then that makes it worse for Kohli doesn't it, if true. Seems like Shastri's tactical nous is allowed only when Virat isn't around. And is replaced when Virat comes back, with blunder upon blunder

[dildilpak]

Well then that makes it worse for Kohli doesn't it, if true. Seems like Shastri's tactical nous is allowed only when Virat isn't around. And is replaced when Virat comes back, with blunder upon blunder

I am sure all this was planned out way earlier, sometimes plans work out, sometimes they dont.

[pillionrider]

I am sure all this was planned out way earlier, sometimes plans work out, sometimes they dont.

Virat seems to have a poor eye for talent. He has been quite clear about backing Saha over Pant.

He is also partly responsible for killing my interest in the IPL through his ridiculous choices at RCB. Lemme rant a bit.

There was this guy Sarfraz whom he went gaga over while chucking away Mayank, KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Quinton DeKock.

But was insistent that RCB pay a record breaking amount for Yuvraj when he was well beyond done with the game.

He also got the team to pay a massive price for Dinesh Karthik before discarding him after one season. Watson was brought in for a good amount and then was chucked out - Dhoni then went on to buy him and Watson pretty much won them that season including a crazy knock in the final that I remember watching.

It's a miracle Virat hasn't let ABD go yet. But I guess he's one poor season away from being discarded like Gayle was