'Most memorable phase of my life': Ravi Shastri cherishes time spent as Team India Director

New Delhi: Ravi Shastri considers the 18-month stint he had as the Indian cricket team director as the “most cherished and memorable phase” of his life, but does not want to comment on whether he would seek a contract renewal. “I have no doubt in my mind that these are the best 18 months that I have spent during my association with Indian cricket as a player and then as a team director. It has been the most memorable phase of my life, if I just look back at what we achieved as a team during this phase. Credit to the boys for making it special,” Shastri told PTI when asked about his stint with the Indian team. [caption id=“attachment_2800636” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Ravi Shastri has seen Virat Kohli evolve as India’s premier batsman under his tenure. AFP[/caption] Asked if he would apply for the chief coach’s post for which BCCI will be advertising, Shastri gave a typically tongue-in-cheek reply. “I will only apply for accreditation for the IPL final,” Shastri quipped. Shastri took over as team director after India’s 1-3 Test series defeat against England in August 2014 and was there till the end of the ICC World T20. “Yes, I have had success as a player. I fondly remember the 1985 World Championship and the 1983 World Cup and I’m proud of those too, but this phase as the team director was special. Look at some of the performances during this phase. We beat England in England in ODIs. (For the) first time, a team whitewashed Australia in any format (3-0 in T20s) Down Under, winning a Test series in Sri Lanka after 22 years, beating South Africa in a Test series at home after a decade. When you take over, you set the bar high but you do not know as to what all you can achieve,” Shastri said. So, of all these bilateral wins, which one was the most special? Shastri said, “That’s for you people to decide, as I would not like to get into comparisons.” Asked if he spoke to the BCCI officials and gave them a roadmap ahead for this young Indian team, Shastri gave a very open-ended reply, “I spoke to them long ago. I have given them my feedback. Beyond that, I won’t say anything.” He has seen Virat Kohli evolve as India’s premier batsman during his tenure and for Shastri, the four centuries in Australia will remain a pinnacle of glory for the immensely talented Indian Test captain. “Four centuries in four Tests in Australia. You can’t beat that. He has been brilliant in the IPL too. Four centuries and nearly 1,000 runs in the IPL is fantastic, but nothing can beat four Test hundreds Down Under,” Shastri said.