Virat Kohli’s return to India after the first Test will be a huge setback for his team believes his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma. India will be playing three ODIs, three T20Is and four Tests in Australia. The series starts with the ODIs from next Friday in Sydney.
Meanwhile, Kohli has been granted paternity leave by the BCCI to return back after the first Test. Shreyas Iyer is being seen as the possible replacement for Kohli in the Test series.
Meanwhile, talking to ANI, Kohli’s former coach Rajkumar Sharma believes that it will be a competitive series against Australia and Virat Kohli’s absence will be a huge setback for Team India.
“It’s a very important series and we know both teams are very competitive, this series is very crucial and the world is looking forward to it. After a long time, competitive cricket will be seen and I feel it will be a good series to watch. Kohli will come back after the first Test and it will be a big setback for the team,” Rajkumar Sharma told ANI.
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Advantage Australia in Virat Kohli’s Absence – Rajkumar Sharma
He further spoke of Virat Kohli’s record in Australia and the momentum he brings to the team. Rajkumar Sharma further that Kohli’s absence will have a slight advantage upon the opposition. However, like many, he cited this as an opportunity for the youngsters to stake a claim in the side.
“Everyone knows the kind of record Virat has against Australia, he gives the team the desired momentum and he is a sort of captain who leads from the front. He is very focused and determined so I think the Indian team will miss these qualities against Australia. The hosts will have a slight advantage but I hope that the players who get an opportunity in the absence of Virat grab their chance as we have talented players on our side,” said Rajkumar Sharma.
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