Kolkata: Asserting that the Indian cricket team does not require “more coaches” than what it already has right now, director Ravi Shastri on Sunday said he might just be there “longer” than expected.
Shastri was retained as director of the team for the tour of Bangladesh, which starts with a one-off Test on June 10 and also features three ODIs after it.
Addressing a pre-departure press conference, Shastri said the team is not exactly hard-pressed for a chief coach right now.
“We have got three coaches, we don’t need another coach. I will double up as head coach if need to be, so there is no issue whatsoever,” said Shastri when asked whether the side would miss having a national coach after Duncan Fletcher’s tenure came to an end earlier this year.
“Speculation, perception, that is your problem, not my problem. As far as a coach is concerned, we don’t need one,” he insisted.
Quizzed further on how long he will continue with the team, Shastri said, “When we come back from Bangladesh, I will sit with them (the BCCI) and decide. I don’t rule out anything. I might be there much longer than what you think.”
Asked whether the team is confident of a good show against the lower-ranked Bangladesh, Shastri said, “We respect every opponent and Bangladesh is another opponent.”
