Exclusive: Kohli could have led India for at least 2 years: Shastri feels his '50-60' Test wins would have been too much to digest for people

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri is known for his bold statements. After Shastri’s tenure as head coach came to an end, he has talked a lot about the team’s record in the longest format of the game. The former World Cup-winning member has now shared his opinion on Virat Kohli leaving Test captaincy. Even though Shastri respects Kohli decision, he feels that the 33-year-old could have gone on to led India for two more years and registered 50-60 Test wins as captain. 

“Whether Virat could have continued to lead India in Tests. For sure, he could have led India for at least 2 years because next two years India would be playing at home and who is coming over - 9 and 10 jacks, going by the rankings. But he would have then made it to 50-60 wins under his captaincy and a lot of people will not be able to digest that fact,” the 59-year-old told Sports Tak in an exclusive interview in Oman where the ongoing Howzat Legends League Cricket tournament is being played. 

Shastri also feels that Kohli has copped unnecessary criticism despite being the most successful Test captain of India. 

“Two years, he could have carried on but we should respect his decision. In any other country this kind of record is incredible. You won against Australia, England and lost 1-2 to South Africa but still there are debates if he should be the captain or not,” he added. 

Shastri cited examples of Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. He feels that the Delhi-born batter wants to focus on his batting and let go of the captaincy pressure. 

“When Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni were not enjoying captaincy, they left. Similarly, when Virat thought that he had won 40 matches, six years he had been leading and now he wants to enjoy his cricket. He wants to focus on his batting and release a bit of pressure and it happens with a lot of individuals. Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar quit captaincy to focus on their game, so Virat also had the same thing on his mind,” the former all-rounder explained.

Shastri is proud of what he achieved as India’s head coach and said that his job was to be the “shield of the team”.