Indian skipper Virat Kohli might miss the last two tests vs Australia as he is expecting the birth of his first child during that time. India will tour Australia later this month for a full series comprising of ODIs, T20Is and Tests. The series will start with the ODIs and end with the four-match Test series.
The first Test will be played from December 17-21 (Adelaide) followed by the next Test, which is the Boxing Day Test Match from December 26-30 (Melbourne). Virat Kohli as per reports in PTI will miss the third and the fourth Test matches. The third Test will be played at the SCG from January 7-11 and the last will be played at Brisbane from 11 to 15 January.
Virat Kohli To Miss Final Two Tests vs Australia
An official word on the skipper’s itinerary is not yet out but a BCCI source told PTI that Virat Kohli can be expected to take paternity leave after the first two Tests of the series.
“The BCCI has always believed that family is priority. In case, the skipper decides on availing paternity break, he will then be available only for the first two Test matches,” the senior source said on conditions of anonymity.
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The BCCI has encouraged cricketers to take paternity leaves to stay committed to their responsibility towards their family and Virat Kohli’s case here is not an exception.
“Look, in normal times, he could have flown back for the birth of his firstborn, missed a Test and played the final one in Brisbane. However, if the 14-day quarantine is still in place, it will be difficult to go and come back again,” the source added.
In Kohli’s absence, the last two Tests should be led by vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. Meanwhile, the BCCI believes that KL Rahul’s presence in the Test side will be a huge plus in the absence of Virat Kohli.
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Rohit Sharma Likely To Travel With India Squad on November 11
Meanwhile, there are also reports that Rohit Sharma might travel with the team in November 11, now that Kohli will be missing the last two Tests due to family and personal reasons. If required, India could rest Rohit for the ODIs, starting November 27, and he can come back during the T20 series. The change will be made keeping his mind his availability for the Test series.
“A decision will be taken soon in this regard. It’s only fair that Rohit stays with the team and does his strength and conditioning work under physio Nitin Patel and trainer Nick Webb. Let’s see how it goes,” the source added.
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