Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Shastri spoke at size about Kohli, speaking about his state when he was not getting the massive scores and now.
“As opposed to last year, when we were sitting in discussing does he need a break, does he not need a break, you know he seemed to have the burden of the whole world on his shoulders. Now, refreshing. You feel that enthusiasm, that passion for the game, that energy and enjoyment has come back, which for me was the best thing to see. See, runs you might get or you might not get; but when you have that sense, when you see someone that the passion, the enjoyment and the drive is back again, (it) is good, especially (for) a player of his quality.”
Asked if he would have appreciated to see Kohli captain the squad in the course of the fifth Test India’s tour of England, Shastri stated, “I thought he would. Once Rohit was injured, I thought he would be asked, if I was still there. I’m sure Rahul (Dravid) might have done the same thing. I don’t know. I’ve not spoken to him. I would have recommended to the board that it’s only fair that he leads because he’s part of the team that’s leading 2-1 in the series and could have got the best out of the players.”
Further requested if Kohli would have had his objections to main the squad, Shastri stated, “Not at all. It’s about leading your country and these are circumstances where you got to put your best foot forward. Your regular captain is injured, he’s not part of the team. So seeing what’s at stake, you know beating England in England, 2-1 up. I mean how many teams can (a team) beat England and Australia in the same year.”
He additionally spoke on how impressed he’s with Arshdeep.
“To be honest, the more I see him, I feel that he can play all formats for India. Though I have not seen much of him in red-ball format, but the way Arshdeep is improving and running in, he is gaining confidence. I think he will become a little stronger than I saw him last year, resulting in very good performance.
“Yes, there’s room for enchancment and I feel whenever you see accidents are going down to a number of the different gamers, Arshdeep is somebody who ought to be saved within the combine and ought to be given that chance and provided that encouragement to play. I’m certain he can bowl 10 overs, he’s nonetheless younger and I’m speaking concerning the red-ball format as effectively.”
(With company inputs)
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com