Virat Kohli will be missing the final three Test matches against Australia in the upcoming tour. This has become the biggest headline across Indian and Australian media in recent times. However, Indian head coach Ravi Shastri spoke about a possibility that might see the return of the Indian skipper.
Talking to Sportstar, Shastri blamed the mandatory quarantine period for being the hurdle in Kohli’s path of making a return in the Test series. While many former cricketers have slammed Kohli for his decision, Shastri has stood firmly behind his skipper.
Ravi Shastri said that he is happy for Virat Kohli who is expecting his first child. He has also been granted parental leave by the BCCI for the same as well.
“I think it’s the right decision he’s taking. These moments don’t come time and time again. He has the opportunity, he’s going back, and I think he’ll be happier for that.”
Ravi Shastri Praises Virat Kohli
The Indian Cricket Team coach then revealed the reason why a comeback for Virat Kohli in the Test series seems impossible. Divulging on the reasons, Ravi Shastri revealed that if there were no quarantine rules, Virat Kohli would have returned for the fourth Test.
Also Read: Ravi Shastri Backs Indian Captain’s Parental Leave
“If there wasn’t 14-day quarantine, Kohli would have played 4th Test. I must tell our fans & critics, Virat is the only Asian captain, dead/alive to win a Test series against Australia home & away. That is the trigger for the team to remember & shine,” Shastri told Sportstar.
Ravi Shastri further said that Virat Kohli is not among the players to take a leave without a solid reason. The Indian head coach accepted the fact that Virat Kohli was a huge reason behind the success of the Indian team in the last 4-5 years. However, he added that Kohli’s absence is an opportunity for the other players to step up and show their potential.
“He is not the one to miss a game if there was not a compelling reason. But for this bloody quarantine, he would have returned for the last Test.” The local authorities have put the guidelines in place keeping in mind the coronavirus situation in Australia.
India will play 4 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is against Australia. The first ODI will take place on Friday in Sydney.
Also Read: Harbhajan Singh Names Virat Kohli’s Replacement For Australia Tests
