Middle-order needs to be worked upon, says Ravi Shastri

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Centurion, February 17: India head coach Ravi Shastri admitted that the middle-order batsmen's effort has been pretty ordinary despite a resounding 5-1 series win over South Africa.

Shastri categorically said the team management could also be looking at some other options soon of the present lot did not pick their act.

"I'll be the first to admit our middle-order batting has looked ordinary. We failed to convert good starts into big totals. So, there are factors we're looking at. At the same time, there are players back in India who've been doing well in domestic cricket.

"Over the last six months, we had conveyed (to those who are potential India caps) what the team will be looking at, in terms of skills, fitness, challenges etc. Once this tour concludes, it'll be time to revisit those conversations," said Shastri in a chat with Times of India.
"The top-order has batted beautifully and our bowlers were phenomenal but the fifth, sixth and the seventh slot in the batting order needs to be worked upon. Once we're done with this series, we'll have to sit down and weigh all options once again very carefully.

"Look at the middle-order. If we can work on that and improve, there's no stopping this Indian team. But in that context, we are far from ready for the World Cup," said Shastri.

However, Shastri had a word of praise for bowlers Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah.

"(Yuzvendra) Chahal and (Kuldeep) Yadav have been brilliant and Boom (Jasprit Bumrah), what can I say about him. It's been a fantastic effort. As I said, we'll sit and go through all of this once we're done here," said Shastri.