World Cup exit was the biggest disappointment in the last two years, states Ravi Shastri

Despite the saga going on for months and months, it was always going to be inevitable for Ravi Shastri to continue as the coach of the Indian team. The World Cup exit and speculated clashes between senior players raised question marks over his future with the team, but on Friday, the CoA put all speculations to bed by confirming that the former Indian cricketer will continue to be the head coach of the team.

"For instance, over the last two years, India have won 71% of their matches across formats. There have been accomplishments, disappointments, learning curves. How to increase that margin, improve title-winning percentages, focus on individual growth - all of this weighs in as we look forward," he added.

"There are two ICC T20 tournaments over the next two years, in 2020 and 2021. The Test championship cycle has begun, so that becomes top priority. We have a splendid Test side that's stayed at the top of the rankings and needs to keep up that good work. In T20Is, we need to take a fresh perspective and consolidate on the fabulous talent we have," he said.

Under Shastri's tenure, India won a Test series in Australia for the first time in their history, while also reaching the pinnacle of the ICC ODI rankings. However, more than anything else, the most notable achievement one could say has been the rise of youngsters such as Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. Shastri heaped praise on the spin twins, lauding them for their quick learning ability, while also hailing Ravindra Jadeja as the "best fielder in the world by a long mile". 

"These two aside, Ravindra Jadeja too has been part of a similar set-up and he has been phenomenal, not just with his left-arm bowling but batting and fielding. He's the best fielder in the world by a long mile," he added.

While India did see several highs during Shastri's previous tenure, there were also several low-points such as the 4-1 defeat to England, the 2-1 defeat to South Africa and the humiliating CT Final defeat at the hands of Pakistan. However, the Indian coach has singled out the team's exit in the World Cup semi-final as the biggest disappointment of his previous tenure, stating that the team had the cup in their hands before letting it slip due to a few bad minutes.

"We played some very good cricket through the tournament. We won more matches than any other team, topped the table and that spoke of our dominance. But then, that's sport. One bad day, one bad session and it wasn't ours to go any further," Shastri signed off.