India captain Virat Kohli will return to India after the first test against Australia, which is scheduled to begin on December 17 in Adelaide. Kohli has been granted paternity leave, and he will return home to be with his wife and Bollywood superstar Anushka Sharma for the birth of their son. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that even though India has players to fill the void, Kohli’s absence remains a major setback for India.
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“Kohli not being there after the first test is a big setback. In foreign conditions, Kohli is half of the Indian batting, Pujara stepped forward last time in Australia, Kohli has been India’s most reliable player in foreign conditions, “Manjrekar told ANI news agency.
“So his absence will be a big setback. This particular series against Australia is a testament to the depth of India’s cricket talent in the Trials, ”added Manjrekar.
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Manjrekar feels substitute captain Ajinkya Rahane will be key for India in Kohli’s absence. Manjrekar acknowledges that India will benefit from having Rahane hit in place of Kohli at No. 4, and mentioned certain permutations and combinations that the team can try in the remaining three events after Kohli’s departure.
“In Virat’s absence, Ajinkya Rahane should step up and hit number four. Hanuma Vihari can hit number five, if Shubman is tested in the middle order, then he should hit number six, ”Manjrekar said.
“Rahane has averaged over 50 in his last nine tests, we will have to wait and see if Rahane steps up. In fact, it’s about the entire batting lineup getting better. We have only seen them in cue ball cricket, “he added.
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