Mumbai: Ravi Shastri started his new innings as Team India head coach with a bang as Virat Kohli-led Indian side downed Sri Lanka in the Galle Test by 304 runs to take 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Shastri, who had backed Kohli’s promotion as Team India skipper across formats even when MS Dhoni was still leading the Indian team in ODIs and Twenty20s, has now stated that Kohli will catch up with Dhoni.

“The way Virat is progressing, he may well catch up with Dhoni. I have been involved with cricket for 35 years as player, commentator and coach. Apart from Sachin Tendulkar, I have never seen anyone break records like Kohli. He has caught up with many greats, playing just half the number of matches. I wonder where will he stop,” Shastri was quoted as saying by Anandabazaar Patrika.

Shastri though lauded Dhoni for his record as India skipper across formats of the game.

“The guy has won two world titles – a World Cup and a World T20. Beside that, he has also finished runner-up in another World T20. He played in the semi-finals of two other World T20 and World Cups. People often talk about his limited-over record, but compare Dhoni’s Test (record) with any captain and it will show who is the greatest ever. Virat is progressing in the same direction as well,” said the Indian coach.