Duncan Fletcher has been tremendous - Ravi Shastri

Duncan Fletcher (L) with Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri, who was appointed as the director of the Indian cricket team ahead of the just concluded limited overs leg in England, has backed Duncan Fletcher’s abilities as a coach, saying that the 65-year-old is a “solid character, respected and has always had the leadership skills”.

Fletcher – a fatherly figure

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo after overseeing only the team’s second ever ODI series win in England, Shastri, when asked about Fletcher’s contributions, said: “He is tremendous. He would have done over a 100 Tests as coach, which is massive. He is technically very sound. He is a solid character. He is respected. He is a fatherly figure.

“I knew Fletcher from the 1983 World Cup. Then in 1984 I led an India Under-25 side to Zimbabwe, where he was my counterpart. So I was aware of his leadership qualities already. Also, what made Fletcher’s job easier was having the trio of Sanjay Bangar, Bharat Arun and R. Sridhar as his assistant coaches.

“Fletcher is the coach. He looks after the handling of various things including little, little stuff. My experience comes into play from the outside - of having been there, done that. The fact that I watch so much is a massive help. And my personality is such if I feel like saying something I don’t hold back. I don’t care who it is.”

One-on-one talks helped

Shastri cut short his media assignments to take over the responsibility, as the BCCI had requested him to join the team in a bid to boost the chances of winning the 5-match ODI series that followed after the embarrasing 1-3 loss to the hosts in the Test series. Speaking about his own role during the series, he said: “I got more than I would have expected. I say that only because of England’s record at home, not many sides have thrashed them 3-0 in a four-ODI series. It is a big achievement.”

He added: “I had to make it (the dressing room) a place where the boys wanted to enjoy themselves. I was very clear when I said I am doing this job because I believe in them. And that was enough. As I got talking to them one on one, things started falling in place.

“I was not afraid to speak to a guy individually. Ground, bus, bar, dressing room, while eating - we were talking cricket. Communication is important. The advantage I had was I had watched these boys a lot. I told them I have watched more cricket than I have played. I have learned more about cricket after I stopped playing.”

While the BCCI have made it clear that they want him to continue in the role till the 2015 World Cup, Shastri hasn’t yet decided on how long he will serve as the director of the team. He said: “One step at a time...My job was to be with the team for the ODI series. They have won it. I want to let that sink. I will return to India and then think about the future.”

Virat Kohli knows there are issues

When asked about Virat Kohli, who had a torrid time during the tour before salvaging some pride by getting past his first 50+ score in the only Twenty20 international, which England won, the 52-year-old said: “About Virat, you knew it was due (the half-century in the Edgbaston Twenty20). The reason he did not perform earlier was a combination of mental and technical issues. You cannot get out to the same bowler in the same fashion five to six times. So there is an issue.

“He has to accept there is something wrong otherwise you cannot get out. And that had to be addressed, which we did. There are certain issues Virat understands he needs to work on, which he has been doing. Similar case with Shikhar (Dhawan).”