India's cricket coach Shastri offers solace to Rayudu, Pant

Dubai - Indian coach provided a silver lining by saying that they "shouldn't lose heart" and injuries could open the door for a late call-up.

Some players may have had reason to feel aggrieved after missing out on a ticket to the cricket World Cup but Indian coach Ravi Shastri provided a silver lining by saying that they "shouldn't lose heart" and injuries could open the door for a late call-up.
Middle-order batsman Ambati Rayudu and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant were the ones who couldn't make the cut for India's 15-man squad for cricket's showpiece in Old Blighty from May 30 to July 14.
Rayudu had all the more reason as he had a lengthy audition for the troublesome No.4 slot before the selectors eventually punted for Vijay Shankar, with chief selector MSK Prasad saying he brings "three-dimensions."
Shastri even went as far as to say that he would have liked to have a 16-man squad considering the length of the tournament but the ICC stuck to 15.
"Keep at it," Shastri told reporters when asked by the Khaleej Times on what would be the message he would give for the players who missed out on selection.
"I would have preferred 16 players. In fact, we had also mentioned to the ICC in a tournament that long, 16 players makes sense. But I guess, the diktat was 15 so, we could pick 15. But, even then, someone or the other would have missed out. When you have a pool of players about 18 or 19, where anyone can make the team, there is bound to be some people who will miss out which is unfortunate. But they shouldn't lose heart because cricket is a funny game. There could be injuries to players so you never know when you could be called up," he added.
In a new development, Rayudu and Pant were named as standbys, in case of injuries.
Shastri was in Dubai where he was announced as the corporate ambassador by Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) on Wednesday.
The debate leading up to the World Cup has been about that No.4 spot but Shastri said nothing was set in stone and the batting order will remain flexible expect for the top three.
"Like I said, total flexibility depending on the conditions, depending on the opposition that you are playing against. I would say, the top three would normally be one, two and three but after that, you could be very flexible," explained the 56-year-old.
Shastri said that it would be paramount to kick into gear if they hope to go the full distance at the World Cup.
"I would say momentum early on is important. Say, in the first three or four games, if you get off to a good start, that will be a massive help," he felt.
He also tipped England as one of the favourites, looking at the consistency as well as their depth but reckoned it was quite an open World Cup.
"I would say England have been the most consistent team over the last two years. They have got multi-dimensional players, they have got depth in bowling and batting and they are playing at home. And in the rankings, they are the No.1 team in the world. They would start as favourites but there are so many teams that can beat any team on a given day," said Shastri.
Shastri also threw his weight around captain Virat Kohli, who has been going through a wretched time in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Asked whether RCB's performance will dent Kohli's confidence at the World Cup, Shastri shot back by saying: "Not at all. You wear that blue jersey, you are a different man."
james@khaleejtimes.com