Virat Kohli backs 'amazing' Ravis Shastri's appointment

Shastri's extension as the team director for India will see him lead them against Bangladesh

India's new Test captain Virat Kohli, in an interview to The Cricket Monthly, backed Ravi Shastri's extension as the team director saying he is an 'amazing person to have around'.

Shastri was appointed the team director for India after the Test series against England last year and the extension means he will leading them in the one-Test and three-ODI tour of Bangladesh.

"He is a guy who does not shy away from responsibility. He is someone who takes the blows on the chin. He keeps moving forward," Kohli told The Cricket Monthly in an interview.

"There is no two ways about his thinking. He is the most amazing person to have around this team right now because it is a young unit and the kind of confidence he gives. He has authority; when he speaks people respect him.

"There is no talk just for the sake of it. He is sensible and something that gives you a lot of confidence and a lot of assurance. That is what you need as young players: someone who has played for India for 10-11 years and has hundreds all over the world as an opener after starting as No. 11. So you know the mindset the person has, the way he has played his cricket.

"We would love to have him on board even if he is doing the same job right now. Just to have him around the group is a massive boost for us. To have him around the group in some way would be lovely. To have the head coach or who to have and what to do about is all part of the discussion when we sit down."

Kohli added that his rise in form in Australia after the dismal tour of England was due to the technical input from Shastri. Kohli was able to notch up 692 run in just four games against Australia at an average of 86.5 with four centuries and a half-ton.

"He is the one who suggested I stand in front of the crease and on off stump," said Kohli.

"I was not convinced to begin with. I was thinking in my head that it might expose my stumps. He said just trust me, do it. I did not do it in England. But I went to Australia. I thought about it. I said, why not. I am playing international cricket. I can't be sitting in a comfort zone and let guys dominate me. It came out beautifully. I am thankful to him for sticking by me after England."