Even though Team India is yet to end their ICC trophy drought, one can’t simply deny the fact that the former world champions have become a force to reckon with under skipper Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri. While Kohli leads the Team India side from the front, head coach Shastri has also played an instrumental role in transforming the Asian giants into a fearless unit on the international circuit. 

Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja has also seconded the same by lauding the coach and skipper duo of the Indian national side. The former Pakistan cricketer and full-time pundit has credited India skipper Kohli and head coach Shastri for creating a winning environment in the team. Skipper Kohli shares a good camaraderie with head coach Shastri and the duo is responsible for bringing glory to the Indian team across all formats. 

Speaking to India TV ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand, Raja opined that the current Team India side is fearless while taking on any opposition in the international arena. “At present, the Indian team is fearless while taking on any opposition including Pakistan. The cricketing system is also responsible for this change in Indian cricket. Virat Kohli and Shastri have created a winning environment in the team,” Ramiz Raja was quoted as saying.

India showcased its power of having a world-class bench by outclassing Australia in their backyard earlier in the Test Championship. The Kohli-less side had retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy before a star-studded Indian side defeated England to enter the final of the Test Championship with New Zealand. Raja also praised the current bowling unit of the Indian side prior to the Test Championship showdown at Southampton’s Rose Bowl. 

“Any new player who joins the Indian set-up knows demands in international cricket. So, from a bowling point of view, the Indian team is better than ever. It has got variation as well as a good leader like Kohli,” Raja added.