Michael Clarke understands that team India will have an uphill task without Virat Kohli in the Test series. The former Aussie captain pointed out that India will miss Kohli both as a batsman and leader. India has already lost the ODI series and many believe that it will a long tour ahead for them.
Experienced fast bowler Ishant Sharma has already been ruled out of the Test series. Whereas chances of Rohit Sharma playing the entire series also doesn’t look promising. Kohli inspired the Indian side during the 2018-19 Test series down under as his side created history and won it 2-1.
Michael Clarke On India’s Chances Without Virat Kohli In The Test Series
Now Michael Clarke judges that Kohli’s massive boots cannot be filled by anybody in the Indian squad. India posses some quality players but the absence of Kohli will have a huge impact in the Test series. He added that the Indian players should relish the occasion to perform without Kohli and imagine about creating history in Australia.
“There are probably two sides to Virat, one is the captaincy part and the other in the batting part. Who is going to bat in place of Virat? KL Rahul is very talented, there is no doubt about it. I think he is experienced, playing in these conditions before.
He can do it. But Virat Kohli’s boots can never be filled by anybody. I love Jinx (Rahane). He is a great player. His captaincy is pretty good. Tactically, he is a very good captain and it’s going to be good for India. You have got to see it as an opportunity. You have got to try and create history,” Michael Clarke stated as quoted by India Today.
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Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is all set to miss the last 3 Test of the series as BCCI has granted him a fatherhood leave. Due to the quarantine rules now it is highly unlikely that Kohli will even think about coming back to Australia for the last Test match. Lastly, Michael Clarke joking also added that if India defeats Australia without Kohli they can celebrate the win for an entire year.
“If India can beat Australia at Australia’s own backyard without Virat Kohli, you can celebrate for a year. That will be an unbelievable win. I think that’s the way Indian players have to look at it. They have to believe they are good enough to take on and beat this Australian team,” the 42-year old added.
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