Ravi Shastri has backed Duncan Fletcher and believes the Zimbabwean has been a “tremendous” coach for India.
Fletcher’s role had come under heavy criticism following India’s Test series debacle in England as the tourists lost the series 3-1 with the last two Tests finishing in less than three days.
The appointment of Shastri as team director after the Test series last month was believed to be an indicator of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) displeasure with Fletcher. Bowling coach Joe Dawes and fielding coach Trevor Penney were also sacked and replaced by Sanjay Bangar, Bharat Arun (assistant coaches) and R Sridhar (fielding coach).
The Indian team bounced back to clinch the one-day series 3-1 before losing the one-off Twenty20 International on Sunday by three runs.
Fletcher’s fate is expected to be decided after Shastri’s review of the series to the BCCI this week.
The former India captain, however, praised Fletcher for his handling of the team.
“He looks over the handling of various things including little, little stuff. He is tremendous,” Shastri told ESPNcricinfo. “He would have done over a 100 Tests as a coach, which is massive. He is very good. He is technically very sound. He is a solid character. He is respected. He is a fatherly figure.
“Let the media say what they want. I have told you what I thought of Fletcher. I will go back and speak with the BCCI.”
Shastri was also delighted with India’s display in the one-day series. “I got more than I would have expected,” he added. “I say that only because England’s record at home, not many sides have thrashed them 3-1 in a four-match ODI series. It is a big achievement, from what they were mentally after the Test series defeat, and then, to respond in that fashion made me feel proud.”
Shastri, however, is non-committal whether he would be open to continuing his role into the World Cup. “My job was to be with the team for the ODI series. They have won it. I want to let that sink. I will return to India and then think about the future,” he added.
