Indian skipper Virat Kohli will be on paternity leave after the first test and as per his words he wanted to be home ‘at any cost’ to be with his wife. Both Kohli and Anushka are expecting their first child in January next year.
He already had a discussion with the BCCI during the IPL about his leave and the board was kind enough to grant it as well. Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team in Kohli’s absence in the last three games.
In a special conversation with Steve Smith premiered on Cricket Australia’s Twitter handle, Virat Kohli spoke about how badly he wanted to be home with his wife at this important phase in her life.
“It is a decision that was absolutely clear in my mind. As committed as you are to play for your country, this is a very, very special moment in life and something that you want to be there for at any cost,” said Kohli to Smith during their interaction.
The world's best two batters sit down for an enthralling chat on cricket, life, loss and getting in the elusive 'zone'. Watch the full chat here https://t.co/gTHdzWGfb5 #AUSvIND
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 16, 2020
Also Read: Australia vs India 2020: 1st Test, Adelaide – Match Prediction
Excited to see Ajinkya Rahane as captain – Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli also spoke on Ajinkya Rahane taking up the captaincy role after his return. Kohli also spoke extensively on playing alongside Rahane and the rapport that the two have shared over the years. He also spoke of Rahane’s importance in the playing XI.
“I am quite excited about how Ajinks goes. I think he is someone who will enjoy the responsibility of captaining while I am away,” added Kohli.
“Firstly, Rahane and I have built mutual understanding over the years, we have had great partnerships batting together which is based on trust. Rahane has done a fantastic job in the two practice games, he seems to be very composed and he knows the strengths of our team and how we need to go. We already know the template we play with and how we want to go about things.” said Kohli.
Also Read: Team India Announces Playing XI For The Adelaide Test; Rishabh Pant Misses The Cut
