It''s time to move on for me: Shastri

Kolkata, June 28

Former India Team Director Ravi Shastri today made it clear that he is "done" with the Indian cricket team and it's time to "move on".

Shastri recently lost the race to be India's new chief coach to former captain Anil Kumble.

"The chapter is over as far as I am concerned. I firmly believe that it is time to move on. I have nothing more to add or say in this regard," Shastri told PTI.

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It has been reported that CAC member Sourav Ganguly was not present during Shastri's interview with the panel, something that has not gone down well with 1985 Benson & Hedges Cup hero.

Asked about Ganguly's absence, Shastri was even more curt: "Nothing on Sourav. I have had enough of this. I don't need to say anything. I was abroad and since I have comeback yesterday night, I have not had time to rest."      However, after speaking to senior BCCI officials, it becomes clear that these two former India captains share cold vibes with each other.

"Ganguly has always felt that Shastri as a renowned commentator has never really given him due credit for transforming the Indian team," a BCCI source privy to developments said.

"Similarly Shastri must have had a feeling that Ganguly, who harboured aspirations of being national coach, wanted to undermine his position. But to be fair, if Sourav saw Anil's presentation, he should have been present during Ravi's interview as well," the source added.

It was learnt that Shastri did not make any PowerPoint Presentations but spoke about the achievements of winning limited overs series in England, T20 Clean Sweep in Australia, Test series win in Sri Lanka, World Cup semi-finals in Australia.

Many in the Board feel that the decision makers could have spoken to Shastri and told him that he need not apply as BCCI is looking ahead towards appointing a fresh face.

"The 18 months that I have spent with the Indian team has been the most cherished phase of my association with the Indian cricket. When you set out on a journey, you set the bar high but you don't know what you can achieve. Credit to the boys for making it special," Shastri had told PTI during a recent interview. — PTI