Five challenges that await Ravi Shastri as India's new head coach

Modified Jul 19, 2017 21:08 IST

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 08: Virat Kohli talks to India Director of Cricket Ravi Shastri who reacts during an India Training Session at Adelaide Oval on December 8, 2014 in Adelaide, Australia. Kohli was made captain after the withdrawal of MS Dhoni. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) — Shastri was recently appointed India’s new head coach

#5 The ICC World Cup 2019

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Beer is poured on the trophy in the change rooms during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) — Will India take the trophy back from defending champions Australia?

This just had to feature on this list. How could it not? The 50 over World Cup is cricket’s biggest spectacle. India performed well in the last two editions of the tournament, having been crowned the champions in one of them.

The Dhoni-led side were defeated in the semi-final of the 2015 edition, to eventual champions, Australia. Taking into account that the World T20 of 2018 is now being pushed to 2020, the ICC World Cup 2019 will be Kohli’s first World Cup as a skipper.

Moreover, it will be hosted in England.

That ought to put additional pressure on the 28-year-old. This is where Shastri’s role will be of pivotal importance. He will have to bring all his experience into play and create a nexus Kohli can rely on every time he feels unsure of himself.

Apart from providing the essential psychological support, Shastri has to ensure that he assists Kohli in building the right squad for the tournament and fielding the optimal playing XI for every match of the tournament.

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Edited by Staff Editor