Virat Kohli missing the last three Tests will be a huge loss for Team India but coach Ravi Shastri has backed the Indian’s captain’s decision to return back home for the birth of his first child. Virat and Anushka Sharma are expecting the birth of their first child in January next year for which Kohli will be on parental leave which has been sanctioned by the BCCI.

While many experts have opposed Kohli’s return amid the Test series, head-coach Ravi Shastri has backed the captain’s decision to return for the birth of his first child. Talking to ABC Sport, Shastri opened up on his thoughts regarding Virat Kohli’s parental leave.

Ravi Shastri Backs Virat Kohli’s Parental Leave

He said that it’s the right decision taken by the Indian skipper. He added that these moments don’t come often thus he will be happy that he is returning back to be with his wife.

“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 told ABC Sport.

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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.

“If you see where India have gone in the last five-six years, there’s no doubt in absolutely anyone’s mind that he’s the driving force and the man behind it (India’s success). So, he obviously would be missed. But like I say, in adversity comes opportunity. There are a lot of young guys in the side and it’s an opportunity for them,” Ravi Shastri added.

India will play 4 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is against Australia. The first ODI will take place on Friday in Sydney.

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