Australia head coach Justin Langer believes the absence of Team India skipper Virat Kohli in the last three Tests would have a major impact on the visitors in upcoming India’s tour of Australia. Incidentally, Kohli will return to India midway as he and his wife Anushka Sharma are expecting the birth of their first child.
Meanwhile, Indian cricketers landed in Sydney on November 12 for a two-month long tour. It includes three ODIs starting November 27 followed by the same number of T20Is. The tour will culminate with a four-match Test series as a part of the ICC World Test Championship.
India will be on backfoot without Virat Kohli – Justin Langer
Virat Kohli will lead India in the limited-overs series as well as the first Test which will be a day-night affair before returning to India. Virat Kohli has been granted paternity leave to return to the country to be with his wife. In the wake of it, Justin Langer has said the impact on India would be like any team taking out their best player.
“I’ve said this before, he is probably the best player I’ve ever seen in my life for so many reasons,” Justin Langer told reporters in a video call.
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“It’s not only his batting but his energy, his passion for the game, the way he fields. I cannot believe the energy he displays in everything he does. Are we happy he’s not playing? It’s like taking Dustin Martin out of Richmond, isn’t it?” added Justin Langer, referring to the champion Australian Rules footballer.
Speaking further, Justin Langer admitted that India would still make a very strong side without their skipper. He also pointed out that they won’t take Virat Kohli-less India easily as it can come back to bite them. Incidentally, the last time India toured for a Test series, they had scripted a historic win and will be keen to keep up the good run.
“Of course it’ll have an impact but we also know that India, they beat us last time, they’re a very, very good team,” he said.
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“We cannot get complacent for a second with or without Virat. So we’re going to have to be on our toes all summer and we’re looking forward to that,” he added.