India was a bit timid at the top, should continue aggressive approach in T20s, says Ravi Shastri

India’s former head coach Ravi Shastri believes India was a bit timid at the top of the order while playing T20 cricket in the past. Former all-rounder reckons Rohit Sharma-led team should continue with an aggressive approach in the shortest format of the game.

Meanwhile, it was noticed in the past that India’s top order adopted a sedate approach in T20 cricket. However, since the T20I series against England, India has revamped their batting approach and the top order is now trying to make the most of the PowerPlay overs. In fact, even if India is losing early wickets, they aren’t changing their approach.

All the batters are trying to play aggressively throughout the innings. Rohit Sharma has confirmed that they are going to continue with this attacking approach even if a few results don’t go their way.

“They should not change the approach Even when I was coach we discussed we were a bit timid at the top considering the players we had down the order,” Shastri said while talking to Star Sports.

“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,” he added.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli had shown intent from the first ball in the T20I series against England while KL Rahul has recently made a return to the squad. The renowned commentator feels both Kohli and Rahul will take the aggressive route in the Asia Cup as they have all the experience under their belt.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri backed Virat Kohli to come good in the upcoming Asia Cup and deliver the goods for the team. Kohli has been out of form in the recent past and he will look to be at his best.

” I haven’t spoken to him (recently). It is not rocket science. Mental fatigue can creep into the best in the world. This downtime was not just needed for his body but to reflect,” the 60-year-old said.

“He will come back with a much calmer mind. He gets 50 in the first game, mouths will be shut. Public memory is very short and works both ways.

“There is no cricketer fitter than him. People keep saying one innings can make a difference but with a player like Kohli, it makes a massive difference. His hunger and passion remain undiminished. He would have learned from this phase let me tell you that,” he said.

India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan on 28th August.