Former Indian Test cricketer Chetan Chauhan has joined the chorus seeking for Ravi Shastri’s removal as head coach of India before the team travel to Australia in November.
Ravi Shastri has been in the eye of a storm ever since India, the ICC table toppers in Test, suffered a humiliating 1-4 defeat at the hands of England in the recently concluded five-match Test series in England.
Speaking to the media, Chetan Chouhan, who is also Uttar Pradesh Sports Minister, said, “Ravi Shastri should be removed as head coach before the Australia tour. Ravi Shastri is very good cricket commentator and he should be allowed to do so.”
Chauhan added, “Team India should have performed better. Both the teams were evenly matched. But the Indian team failed to check tail enders of England.”
The former Test opener also criticised Shastri for calling Virat Kohli-led present Indian team the ‘best travelling team in the world’.
“I do not agree. In 1980s, the Indian team was the best travelling team in the world,” he said.
After a thumping victory over England at Trent Bridge in the third Test on August 16, Shastri had claimed the present India side was the best travelling team in the world.
Commenting on India’s chances in the ongoing Asia Cup cricket championship in Dubai, Chauhan said a better result was expected as the team is balanced with experienced and young players.
Chauhan has represented India in 40 Test matches and scored 2,084 runs between 1969 and 1981.
He made his debut in 1969 against New Zealand in Mumbai and played his last Test against the same country in 1981 in Auckland. Besides, Chauhan also played seven one day internationals.
Chauhan is the latest cricketer to demand Shastris ouster after former captain Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag.
-With PTI inputs.