The Indian cricket team is currently in Australia for a full-fledged series. They will play a high-intensity series involving three ODIs, tree T20Is and four test matches spanning over two months down under. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli will return to India after the first Test owing to the birth of his first child.

This according to Harbhajan Singh should be an ideal opportunity for someone like KL Rahul to make a name for himself in the Test series. Virat Kohli will return to India after the first Test and won’t be a part of the last three games.

Virat Kohli’s Absence Opportunity For KL Rahul-Harbhajan Singh

Talking to Sports Tak, Harbhajan said that Kohli’s absence will be a big factor for India. But it also opens opportunities for other players like KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma.

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“Virat Kohli is coming back after the first Test but this open the window of opportunity for someone like KL Rahul, who is coming back in the Test team. Virat Kohli is a big player and he has scored runs whenever he has toured Australia, his absence will be missed but this is an opportunity for players to step in” Harbhajan said.

Harbhajan Singh further added that it is these moments that open a window for some other player to step in and in this case, it’s the likes of KL Rahul, Cheteshwar 0Pujara and Rohit Sharma. They will have to raise their game in the absence of regular skipper if India want to emulate their success from the last time.

“Virat Kohli’s absence should be seen in this manner. KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara are big players and they have an opportunity to prove themselves. If Rohit Sharma opens in a Test match in Australia, it’s a big thing in itself,” Harbhajan added.

KL Rahul is making a comeback to the Indian test side after one year. Rahul’s selection has been criticized by many as he has returned to the Test team on the basis of his IPL form. Sanjay Manjrekar even termed his comeback to the Indian test team as ‘lucky’.

Meanwhile, Rohit is only a part of the Test squad at the moment and is under rehabilitation at the NCA. Mayank Agarwal is another option that India have at the top of the order.

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