Ravi Shastri has urged the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team to embrace aggression and stay adamant in their approach in the remainder of the Test series against Australia following the fiery exchange between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head during the Day-Night Test in Adelaide.
Ravi Shastri believes that such fiery moments are part of cricket’s high-pressure environment and should fuel India’s determination as they gear up for the next challenge at The Gabba, Brisbane, which will host the third Test of the ongoing five-match Test series from December 14.
Ravi Shastri pushes India for revenge post Mohammed Siraj-Travis Head feud
The former Indian head coach expressed confidence that the heated exchange between Mohammed Siraj and Travis Head during the Adelaide Test has likely been resolved, with both players moving on.
Shastri also highlighted the fiery temperament of fast bowlers, stressing that such reactions are natural in high-pressure scenarios, especially after challenging moments. Recalling his coaching experiences, Ravi Shastri explained how he always encouraged his players to stand firm and not back down, particularly on Australian soil.
This approach became a key part of the Indian team’s philosophy during Shastri’s tenure. The philosophy Shastri instilled during his coaching stint revolved around resilience and retaliation, which was evident during Virat Kohli’s captaincy.
Siraj was just letting off some steam: Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri wrote in a column for CODE Sports: “I’m sure Siraj and Head are mature individuals who will deal with it, and the dust would have settled already. If anything, I wouldn’t have expected anything else from a fast bowler after he’d been hit for a six. Siraj was letting off some steam. That’s the fast bowler’s temperament. You want it to be like that.”
He added, “When I was playing, my philosophy was to give it back as good as you get. And it’s exactly what I would tell my players when I was coaching India in Australia. Do not hold back one bit. Do not take even one backward step. It then became the team’s philosophy, and everyone from Virat Kohli to Rishabh Pant and every member of the squad was prepared to give it back to the Aussies.”
Ravi Shastri wants Rohit Sharma to open in The Gabba Test
On the other hand, Ravi Shastri has suggested a shift in India’s strategy for the third Test at the Gabba, starting December 14. He believes that Rohit Sharma should return to his role as an opener, where he can set the tone for India’s innings against Australia in Brisbane.
Shastri also pointed out that the Indian team experimented with Rohit in the middle order during the Adelaide Test, but it’s time to return to his natural position at the top. To accommodate this change, the cricket pundit recommends moving KL Rahul down the batting order, ensuring the team makes the most of Rohit’s strengths in setting the pace from the start.