Is Kohli pushing for Shastri’s return?

New Delhi : India skipper Virat Kohli has reportedly shown interest in getting former team director Ravi Shastri back as head coach of the Indian team after the unceremonious exit of Anil Kumble. According to sources, Kohli mentioned Shastri’s name as one of the potential candidates for the India job during his meeting with BCCI officials in London on Monday. The meeting was attended by BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary, CEO Rahul Johri and MV Sridhar, General Manager (cricket operations). “When Kohli was asked to suggest a name other than the ones who have already applied for the job, he expressed his desire to have Shastri back at the helm,” said a BCCI official. “The skipper reminded the officials about his brilliant equation with Shastri before Kumble came in.” Another BCCI source revealed that despite making his preference clear, Kohli left it to BCCI to decide on whether or not to approach Shastri as he didn’t want to be seen trying to influence the selection process. “But by suggesting Shastri’s name, Kohli is trying to influence the process,” the source said. “It’s widely known that Kohli wasn’t happy when Kumble was picked over Shastri as head coach. Kohli wanted the arrangement with Shastri to continue for a longer period, but the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) brought in Kumble. So, Kohli had no choice but to accept the decision. But this time he didn’t budge despite CAC and BCCI’s efforts to resolve the stand-off.”