No 'I' in Team India's dictionary, obsession with World Cup is real: Ravi Shastri

Winning a World title is an "obsession" for India coach Ravi Shastri, who says upcoming six ODIs against New Zealand and South Africa could be used as a platform for his team's preparations for global T20 championship in Australia this October.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, head coach spoke on a range of issues including legacy he wants to create, preparations for marquee meet, team culture and unfortunate injuries to his players.

"That toss will be taken out of equation, we will play well irrespective of conditions, of opponents and in every country of world. That's what our aim is and that is what we are chasing. Yes, World Cup remains an obsession and we will do all to fulfil that ambition," Shastri said ahead of start of India's tour of New Zealand.

India will play five T20 Internationals, three ODIs and two Test matches starting with shortest format on January 24. ODI series against South Africa is to be held in March.

're is 'I' in our dictionary'

hallmark of this team is enjoying each ors' success, said Shastri. " word 'I' is t re in our dictionary. It's 'we'. That's what this team stands for. It celebrates each or's achievements because it's team that wins," he added. So, is re a possibility that ODIs held this year will be an extension of T20s, former India captain replied: "Yes, I believe it's very much possible."

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2-1 series win against a full-strength Australian side was a reflection of Indian team's "mental strength", which came back strongly after being outplayed in opening game. " Australia series was proof of mental strength and ability to play under pressure. After hammering at Wankhede, to come back and play like way we did, merits a lot of credit and praise. "It showed cour and as Virat used word brave, it showed we are unafraid to play brave cricket and with intent," said Shastri. While one can deny that Shastri is pleased as punch with series win against mighty Australians, 57-year-old w wants to only think about new series.

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"This team lives in present. Whatever has happened in past is history. We look to do what we did well in past, in future also. Skipper Virat Kohli has already said that KL Rahul keeping wickets is an option and Shastri seconded view, saying he is happy that team has got a multipurpose player of Rahul's quality. "We love options," he said. only thing that makes him "sad" is Shikhar Dhawan, who has been ruled out of New Zealand assignment due to shoulder dislocation.

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"Very sad because he (Dhawan) is a senior player. He is a match-winner. When someone suffers an injury of that sort, everyone is hurt in team," he said. Kwn for his plain speak, Shastri rejected rumours that Kedar Jadhav has outlived his utility as an ODI player even though he is bowling rarely in international games. "Kedar is an integral part of ODI team that will play in New Zealand. He will be treated like every or player." It's been quite a while since Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal featured toger in playing XI in white ball games.

Will y be seen toger? "That's a call we will take. We play 'Horses for Courses'. We will judge it in that direction." Suryakumar Yadav's name has been propped up as an explosive power-hitter in playing XI. coach was n-committal on what was his take on subject. "That's a selector's job. I don't get involved in that department as such," he said. He also wasn't bored by kind of surfaces New Zealand will dish out. "We, as a team, don't think about all that. We address something when we see it. We see facts, we address. We don't go into history or past."

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Im Credits: AP