Ravi Shastri is hurt. The former India captain, who was until recently the Team Director of the national team, sounded “extremely disappointed” by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s decision not to appoint him as the coach of the Indian team.
Talking to The Hindu from Thailand, Shastri said: “At that moment of time I was obviously disappointed; but today is a new day and life carries on; as simple as that.
“I am disappointed because I had put in so much hard work. I had given my everything. And what was great to see were the results that were produced in those 18 months across all formats.
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“The results did not surprise me; they were way above my expectations. For them [the players] to up the ante quickly, across all formats and jump up the ladder made it heartening and made me a proud person.
“I am proud of the boys; once again I am disappointed because of the hard work put in and the time was there now to take it forward, play even better cricket...but there is no opportunity for me now.
“But such is life. You take a knock on the chin and move on. When the sun rises the next day, it’s a different day.”
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On his part, Anil Kumble spoke to Shastri immediately after the BCCI made its decision public and the former Team Director wished Kumble all luck.
This was a good sign, but clearly Shastri felt let down by the BCCI.
“I did a role after India’s awful showing in the 2007 World Cup. The team was in turmoil and I was asked to take over for the tour of Bangladesh. We had great results on that tour as well.
“He [Kumble] called up yesterday [Thursday]. He has a great team; he said that. I wish him all the luck.
“The team is right up there in all formats. Now is the time to take one step forward, especially after the tour of the West Indies. There is a lot of cricket at home. You have to cash in on the home advantage.
“It would be great if he can take it forward.”
When asked if the BCCI went about selecting the coach the right way, Shastri said: “I don’t want to comment on that. I am above all that. When asked to do a job, I did that. I applied for the post when the BCCI advertised.
“You see, even the support staff, they were fantastic. Without them, I could have done nothing. They were brilliant, communicating with the boys, standing by them when the chips were down and enjoying the team’s success as well. They kept the dressing room upbeat. This team has the potential to be the best across all formats.”
Shastri said he will return to television commentary. “That’s what I do best. I will take a break now and evaluate what’s on hand.”