Kohli will head home after the series opening tryout at Adelaide Oval to be with his wife before the birth of their first child, robbing India of their star captain and hitter.
Langer said the shock in India would be like any team eliminating its best player.
“I’ve said this before, he’s probably the best player I’ve ever seen for many reasons,” Langer told reporters in a video call.
“It’s not just his hitting, but his energy, his passion for the game, the way he plays. I can’t believe the energy he shows in everything he does.
“Are we happy he’s not playing? It’s like getting Dustin Martin out of Richmond, right?” Langer added, referring to the Australian Rules champion footballer.
Langer said he respected Kohli’s decision and would encourage his own players to fail. Cricket be present at the birth of your children if it arises.
Australia were beaten by India 2-1 the last time Kohli’s team toured in 2018/19 and Langer said the hosts couldn’t afford to breathe easier without Kohli around.
“Of course it will have an impact, but we also know that India, they beat us last time, they are a very, very good team,” he said.
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“We cannot be complacent for a second with or without Virat. So we will have to be vigilant all summer and we are looking forward to that.”
Kohli, however, will play in short-form international matches on the India tour, which begins with a one-day international series starting in Sydney on November 27.
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