Ask Ganguly what his problem is with me: Shastri

Former Team India Director Ravi Shastri is clearly disappointed after he was trumped by Anil Kumble who became Team India's head coach.

Shastri was the front-runner to become the coach of the national team until Anil Kumble threw his hat into the ring. The Cricket Advisory Committee recommended Kumble's name for the position of head coach and the BCCI gave a cold shoulder to Shastri who guided the young Indian team for a period of 18 months.

Interestingly, Sourav Ganguly, member of the Cricket Advisory Committee was not present while Shastri gave his interview and that has raised eyebrows.

When asked if there was any differences between Ganguly and him, Shastri speaking to TOI said, "All I can say is that Ganguly wasn't there when I was interviewed and you should ask what problem Ganguly has with me instead of asking me."

Ganguly was absent while Shastri presented his case and the former India skipper had informed the BCCI regarding his absence. But, it seems Ganguly's absence didn't impress the former Team Director who minced no words.

"First of all, I wasn't giving any interview for the job of a CEO. I had very good discussion with Sachin Tendulkar, Sanjay Jagdale and VVS Laxman about the future of Indian cricket. We also spoke about the good things that happened during my tenure as the team director. I think that our overseas performances were good. Most importantly, the boys responded well and they are hungry for success. We are not No. 1 in Test cricket today only because we haven't played the format for last six months," Shastri said.

When further asked if the appointment of Anil Kumble was there on the cards, Shastri said, "Again, I am no one to answer that. My job was to prepare a team. I was able to do it with the best of ability. Right now, India are among the top two teams in world cricket in all formats."

However, the cricketer turned commentator said that he is always available for the Indian cricketers.

"Of course, I am always ready to help them. Right now, I want a break from cricket for sometime," he said.

Speaking on MS Dhoni's captaincy, Shastri stressed that Kohli taking over as skipper would only allow Dhoni to play freely without any burden.

"Dhoni is one of the greatest cricketers of our times. The way he still runs 100 metres, he is still the best in the team. I think he still has three to four years of cricket left in him. However, somewhere down the line and depending on the frequency of whichever format is being played regularly, you may have to look at Virat Kohli captaining India in all formats. But it's a call for the selectors. I also feel Dhoni would be a lot more relaxed like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid without the burden of captaincy at some point."

When asked if he would be doing commentary during the India-West Indies Test series, Shastri said that he would not visit West Indies as a commentator but will be present in the Caribbean to celebrate Sir Gary Sober's 80th birthday.

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