Virat Kohli is always at the centre of attention when India plays Australia. Especially when India tours down under, the Australian public and media always look forward to seeing Kohli on the field. However, this time around it will be a shortish tour for Kohli as he will return to India after the first Test match.
The BCCI as granted paternity leave to Kohli who is all set to become a father for the first time in January. Former Australian coach John Buchanan believes that Kohli’s absence will surely make a difference in the much-anticipated Test series.
Virat Kohli Will Be Missed By India – John Buchanan
Buchanan pointed out that Kohli has been a dominant performer for India when they play Tests in Australia. Without Virat Kohli, Australia will hold the advantage as India will miss the presence of their captain both on the field and in the dressing room.
“It will definitely be an advantage for Australia because Kohli was one of the dominant players in the last Test series the two teams played. Of course, Cheteshwar Pujara was the star of the series but Kohli’s presence in the middle was a huge factor in India winning that series. His presence on the field and in the dressing room will be missed by India”, Buchanan was quoted as saying by Times of India.
In 2018-19 Kohli became the first-ever Asian captain to win a Test series in Australia. In the 4 Test matches, Kohli scored 282 runs and played a pivotal role in India’s celebrated triumph when they defeated the Aussies by 2-1. Overall, Virat Kohli has a staggering record against Australia in their backyard and has so far notched up 6 Test centuries.
On top of that his inspired leadership too was outstanding in the last tour as he as captain never took a backward step. Buchanan further added that Australia this time look a potent side with the return of Steve Smith and David Warner in their squad.
Also, the prolific batting form of Marnus Labuschagne will make it extremely difficult for India during the Test series minus Kohli in the last 3 Tests matches.
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“When you look at the Australian batting line-up last time to what it will be now there is a big change. Warner and Smith bring in a lot of experience to this line-up. Marnus Labuschange has been in great nick and so has the other batsmen, but Warner and Smith give the side a potent look”, said the former Australia head coach.
Furthermore, the Border-Gavaskar is all set to kick off from December 17 at Adelaide with a day-night Tests. The next three matches are expected to be conducted at Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane respectively.
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