Ravi Shastri backs up split captaincy

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has backed the separation of captaincy in the red and white ball formats, claiming that it is the best option.

While Virat Kohli is still the Test captain and one of the best white-ball players in the world, Rohit Sharma has been named the T20 and ODI captain.

"I think it's the right way to go. This could be a blessing in disguise for Virat, and for Rohit, because I don't think in this era if the bubble life exists for another year or so, one guy can handle all, that is not easy at all," Shastri, himself a former India all-rounder, said on Star Sports show 'BOLD & BRAVE: THE SHASTRI WAY'.

Kohli stated during his pre-departure press conference before of the South African tour that he was never asked to carry on as T20 captain after making his intentions plain.

Shastri, who has a long history with Indian cricket, also stated that he wants Rohit to establish himself as an opener.

"It was very clear in my mind that I wanted to do it. I thought if I can't get the best out of him as a batsman then I am a failure as a coach because there is too much talent there," said Shastri.

Meanwhile, the 59-year-old, who played 80 Tests, spoke about his relationship with Kohli, who was also the ODI and T20 skipper when Shastri was the head coach for a considerable amount of time.

"We're both pretty aggressive, we want to play to win. We realized very quickly that to win you need to take 20 wickets, deciding to play aggressive and fearless cricket.

"It meant at times you would lose games but once you got one across the line, then it's infectious," said Shastri.