Coach Ravi Shastri is not a 'Yes man': Virat Kohli

Staunchly supporting the head coach, Virat said that Shastri is the one guy he could speak to and get an honest opinion

Strongly opposing the growing perception of Ravi Shastri being a "yes" man to Indian captain Virat Kohli, the skipper on Thursday staunchly supported the head coach, saying that “it is the most bizarre thing he has ever heard".

"That is the most bizarre thing I have heard. In Indian cricket, I don't think there is anyone else who has said no to me more than him honestly. He is one guy I can speak to and can get an honest opinion. I have made more changes to my game listening to him than anyone else in the past," said Kohli before the team's departure to Australia.

"These are very personal things that happen within in a team environment. Things that conveniently need to be put out there will be put out there. We are not going to put up a banner and say 'this is what happens in the Indian team'. As long as our heart is clear and intent is right, we want to keep moving forward."

Kohli went on to say that not only him, other players have also learnt immensely from Shastri.

"His contribution ever since we started building this team is making people believe that they belong there. We all went through a tough time in 2014 (the England tour) and for me to able to come out of that, and Shikhar (Dhawan) in the 2015 World Cup, he can vouch for that. He (Ravi bhai) knows how to get the best out of the players," said Kohli.

India is scheduled to play three T20s, four Tests and three ODIs starting November 21.