Rahane: Kohli-Shastri made Indian cricket tougher post-Dhoni

The Kohli-Shastri Era: A Shift in Mindset

Ajinkya Rahane has offered a rare glimpse into the transformation of Indian cricket after MS Dhoni stepped away from leadership. In an interview with Sportscape Magazine, the veteran batter said the combination of Virat Kohli as captain and Ravi Shastri as coach instilled a new, tougher edge in the team.

"When Mahi bhai left, there was a vacuum. But Virat and Ravi bhai filled it with intensity," Rahane said. "They made us believe we could win anywhere, not just at home."

The shift wasn't just tactical. Rahane described a cultural change in the dressing room, where fitness standards rose and no opposition was treated with undue reverence.

Adelaide Test Run-Out: A Defining Moment

Rahane also revisited the infamous run-out during the Adelaide Test against Australia, a moment that could have strained relations between him and Kohli. Instead, it became a cornerstone of their partnership.

"People thought that run-out would create tension," Rahane recalled. "But Virat and I spoke right after the day's play. He told me, 'This happens, we move on.' That's the kind of clarity he brought."

The incident, which occurred during India's 2014 tour Down Under, is often cited as a flashpoint in Kohli's early captaincy. Rahane's account, however, frames it as a lesson in resilience.

Building a Fearless Core

Under Kohli and Shastri, India began chasing targets with a bravado unseen in earlier eras. Rahane credited the duo for backing players through failures, a policy that produced match-winners like Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah.

"They never dropped a player for one bad game. That gave us security," he said. "The message was simple: express yourself, and we'll handle the rest."

This approach culminated in India's historic Test series win in Australia in 2020-21, a triumph Rahane led in Kohli's absence during the final two Tests. The victory, he hinted, was a direct outcome of the culture Shastri and Kohli had seeded.

Beyond Tactics: Mental Toughness

Rahane emphasised that the Kohli-Shastri era was as much about mental strength as skill. He pointed to gruelling training camps and honest team meetings as tools that forged a squad capable of toppling giants overseas.

"Earlier, we used to just compete. Under them, we started believing we could dominate," he said. "That shift was huge."

The 38-year-old, who has played 85 Tests, also praised Shastri's man-management. "Ravi bhai knew when to push and when to protect. That balance is rare."

A Legacy That Endures

While Kohli and Shastri have moved on from their roles, Rahane believes their influence persists in the current setup. "The young players today don't fear failure. That's their gift," he said.

Rahane's reflections come at a time when Indian cricket is navigating a new leadership transition. His words serve as a reminder of how a captain-coach duo can reshape a team's identity.

As India prepares for its next major assignment, the question remains: can the current leadership build on the foundation Kohli and Shastri laid? Rahane, for one, is optimistic. "The base is strong. Now it's about adding floors."