What Shastri did was brilliant but Kumble is an inspiring figure: Rohit

According to Rohit, Shastri was ‘a big influence on Indian cricket for the past 18 months’.

Team India’s ace batsman Rohit Sharma walked a fine line during an interaction at 'Express Adda' event in the city recently answering questions about Ravi Shastri’s departure and newly-elected head coach Anil Kumble’s appointment for the top post in the team. Rohit said the team would “miss Shastri” but be inspired by Kumble.

He (Shastri) took up the responsibility when we were in shambles. Kumble’s thinking about the game is so different from the rest. It just amazes you, the kind of stuff he talks about and what he brings to the table is absolutely brilliant,” Rohit added.

Kumble was appointed head coach by BCCI after the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and convenor Sachin Jagdale submitted their report to President Anurag Thakur.

Read: I have had enough of this, says Ravi Shastri

Shastri was Team Director for the last 18 months and was almost certain to become head coach before Kumble got the job. According to Rohit, Shastri was “a big influence on Indian cricket for the past 18 months”.

“As soon as he came, he created a positive atmosphere around us.”

Rohit welcomed Kumble with munificent praise. “I have two years of experience at Mumbai Indians and I know the kind of things we spoke about. I was the captain and he was the coach and mentor of the team. I got to learn a lot from him,” he elaborated.

Also Read: India coach Anil Kumble rubbishes conflict of interest

I was fortunate enough to play with him during the last months before he retired. I remember in 2008, I was part of the Test squad to Sri Lanka and he (Kumble) was the captain. And he always had this attitude of never giving up, which as a young player is so inspiring. He is someone who is very inspiring with the way he’s played his cricket. He’s trying to inspire people to try and take up the challenge which is lying in front of you, and react to those challenges. He will always be there for you as a mentor and coach,” Rohit quipped. While in the dugout for the Mumbai franchise of the IPL, Kumble would tell the team to never give up till the end.

You have to keep fighting no matter what. If the game is slipping away from your hands, don’t give up till the last ball is bowled. That’s how he played his cricket. You will get the feeling that he was someone who wouldn’t let go too easily. That’s the kind of message that he wanted to send across. That’s the kind of message we also want as young players. He’s very inspiring,” he said. Also Read: Respect your job: Ravi Shastri to Sourav Ganguly

Shastri might have faced backlash after his demand for producing turning wickets. Rohit asserted that it was a fair way to push for home advantage.