Shastri defends Arun, takes a dig at Zaheer's coaching credentials

New Delhi: Defending the appointment of Bharat Arun as the bowling coach of Team India, newly appointed India head coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday  took a jibe at Zaheer Khan’s coaching abilities 

Addressing a press conference before Team India’s departure to Sri Lanka, Ravi Shastri said, “Don't compare Bharat Arun and Zaheer the bowlers. They are not bowling anymore. Look at Bharat Arun the coach. India took 77 wickets out of 80 in World Cup 2015 under the guidance of Bharat Arun.”

He (Bharat Arun) has immense experience and a great track record as coach, knows the team better than I do.” added Shastri

Arun’s appointment as the bowling coach happened after a lot of drama. It was former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan who was first named as the bowling coach. But BCCI later on overruled it stating that it was only the recommendation of CAC, the final call had to be taken after consultation with the head coach.

The newly appointed coach also praised the Indian team for their dominant cricket in the last 3 years. “Every individual in the team deserves credit for India’s top spot in test cricket, the likes of Ravi Shastri’s and Anil Kumble’s will come and go but the fabric of Indian cricket will always remain.”

Shastri will work with the Indian team till the World Cup 2019 and his first assignment begins on July 26 when India take on Sri Lanka in the Test series.

India are scheduled to play 3 Tests, 5 ODI’s and 1 T20 against the hosts.