Updated: November 20, 2020 8:01:55 pm
India’s Virhat Kohli, left, receives the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from Allan Border after his series won over Australia after the game was canceled on Day 5 of his cricket test match in Sydney, Monday, January 7, 2019. tie and India wins the series 2-1. (AP Photo / Rick Rycroft)
India will miss Virat Kohli’s services at the end of the first Test Down Under, but former Australian captain Allan Border made a suggestion for the Indian captain.
Kohli, 32, received paternity leave from BCCI to be with his wife during the birth of their first child.
“We thought you might think about having your newborn here because we can claim your offspring as Australian,” Border joked during a media interaction.
On a serious note, Border feels that this is the right opportunity for Australia, as India does not have the services of ‘irreplaceable’ Kohli. “The only thing that is in Australia’s favor is Virat Kohli playing the first round alone. I think it is a big OUT for India. He’s irreplaceable right now as a hitter and leader. It should be 2-1 for Australia, ”Border said.
Look, I love the way he plays his game; he wears his heart on his sleeve. I like his aggressiveness and passion for the game. India as a team will miss him. He is a special player, he has great talent and he is part of this new India, that’s how I see it. The way India plays the modern game, it has a very positive mindset, and Virat has led the way very well in those areas. I’m a huge fan, ”said Border, who to date holds the record for scoring more than 150 runs in both innings of a test match.
Rahul will be the substitute for Virat Kohli on the cue ball leg, as regular vice captain Rohit is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL.
The series will air on the Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 3, and Sony Six channels from November 27 at 8 am onwards.
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