Ramesh Powar talks about Ravi Shastri and Greg Chappell's coaching styles

Indian teammates congratulate Ramesh Powar during a match in 2006

Former India off spinner and two-Test star Ramesh Powar opened up about the golden memories he has of current interim Team Director Ravi Shastri’s coaching style, contrasting with the dressing room atmosphere that prevailed under Greg Chappell’s watch. Shastri was appointed as Team Director for the first time in 2007 after the World Cup debacle, coinciding with the time when Powar was a member of the national team.

Welcoming the re-appointment of Ravi Shastri for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, Powar said, “I have never seen a coach walking around the net area and being so vocal in his encouragement.”

Anyone could express opinion with Shastri: Powar

Powar made his Test debut in the opening Test at Chittagong which was drawn. In the second Test of his career, he had second innings figures of 3 for 33 in 16 overs, but never played Test cricket again.

On Shastri’s first few days as mentor to the India team, Powar said, “We had a preparatory camp in Kolkata where he showed his great communication skills and was very encouraging. He was telling everyone to look ahead and not at what had happened. Earlier, there was a little communication gap and there was a 'should-we-ask, shouldn't-we-ask' situation. With Shastri, anyone could express their opinion.

"He never pushed you in every aspect of the game. I was not the best fielder in the team, but he never concentrated on your weakness. For him, only your strengths mattered. He got everyone together and even took us out for dinners.”