IND vs AUS 2023: Always had the belief to never appoint a vice-captain for India – Ravi Shastri weighs in on KL Rahul losing the role

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has shed light on KL Rahul losing the vice-captaincy role against Australia in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series. Rahul was dropped as Rohit Sharma’s deputy after his low scores of 20, 17, and 1 in the three innings against the visitors for the final two Test matches of the series.

Shastri feels India should focus on picking the best XI from the squad and any experienced player can fill in the role of the vice-captain. KL Rahul has been under the pump for his recent performances as he hasn’t been consistent.

Ravi Shastri said on ICC Review, “The team management will decide (the vice-captain). They know his form, they know his mental state. They know how they should be watching someone like Shubman Gill. I, for one, always had the belief (to) never appoint a vice-captain for India. I would rather go with by best XI, and if captain has to leave the field, you’d zero in on a player that can take over at the time, simply because you don’t need to create complications.”

Shastri added that Rahul has all the talent but he needs to be more consistent in his performances.

“They will have to see the form, his state of mind. He’s a tremendous player, but talent is only so much. You have to convert that into results and be consistent. There’s so much talent in India who is knocking the door. It’s not just KL Rahul, there are many in middle-order and bowling lineup as well.”

Shastri added that if the vice-captain doesn’t perform, some player can take his place and the team can pick the best XI.

“If vice-captain doesn’t perform, someone can take his place; at least the tag is not there. I’m being blunt and brutal, I never like vice-captain in home condition. Overseas, it’s different. Here, you want prime form, you want someone like Shubman Gill, who’s red hot. He will challenge. He has to bang that door down and get into the side. Now, he’s not the vice-captain, it has to be team management’s decision.”

The third Test between India and Australia starts on March 1st in Indore.