Virat Kohli scored a battling century in the second Test against Australia in Perth but the Indian skipper came under criticism for his sledging and heated exchanges with Australian counterpart Tim Paine. The 30-year-old’s animated wicket celebrations were also frowned upon, but head coach Ravi Shastri, on Sunday, said that he didn’t have a problem with his skipper’s behaviour.
“What’s wrong with his behaviour? As far as we are concerned, he is an absolute gentleman,” Shastri said.
Shastri also demanded his opening batsmen step up and ease the pressure on Kohli.
“They’ve got the experience, they’ve got the exposure over these last few years to get out there and deliver. It’s about how strong you are in the mind.”
Shastri also denied India’s morale had taken a hit by losing in Perth after their tense victory in Adelaide – their first Test win on Australian soil in a decade.
“It’s not often that we’ve been in a position where we’ve won one (on an overseas tour). It’s 1-1. The boys know what they can do, what they’re capable of and the potential that lies ahead,” Shastri concluded.
