India must continue with its new batting approach, says Shastri

NEW DELHI: Ravi Shastri on Tuesday said India must continue with its ultra-aggressive approach with the bat in the shortest format after being a tad ‘timid’ in the past.

India’s conservative approach at the start of the innings had contributed to its early exit from the T20 World Cup last year. The tournament was Shastri’s last assignment as India head coach.

“They should not change the approach (they have shown of late). Even when I was coach we discussed we were a bit timid at the top considering the players we had down the order.

“It is the right approach. You will lose a few games in between but if you start winning with this approach you can take that confidence in big games and use the same tactics,” said Shastri in a press conference organised by Star Sports. Virat Kohli will come back into the playing eleven after being rested for the West Indies series, while K L Rahul returns after an injury lay off.

Can the two senior batters show the same aggression the younger players have shown in their absence “Why not? They are very experienced players,” said Shastri.

“They have played enough IPL and T20s and it should not be tough for them to adjust. With Rishabh, Hardik, Jadeja there is enough depth in the middle and lower order to get the innings back on track if top order falls cheaply.”