It was in the first week of November that it was announced that India’s captain Virat Kohli will return from Australia after the first test for the birth of his first child. While it may not have seemed too important back then, given India’s performance in Adelaide, Kohli’s return couldn’t have come at a worse time. India is trailing 0-1 in the series and, as they try to come back to Adelaide 2020 in the background, the absence of India’s best hitter and their captain is not exactly something the team can do with.
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At the post-match virtual press conference, Kohli admitted that it would be much better to sign with a win, but at the same time, he showed confidence that the team will bounce back under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership. However, this is easier said than done. Former Australia goalkeeper Adam Gilchrist has weighed in on Kohli’s paternity leave, saying that while the team needs him now more than ever, Kohli’s decision should be respected and applauded.
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“India enters this break with many challenges. Kohli, who was just stellar in the early innings, is coming home to break parenthood, ”Gilchrist wrote in his column for Mid-Day. “It will be difficult for him to see the team dejected and discouraged after the loss, but I hope that the Indian fans will realize that their captain has made a decision and will be back soon to serve his team. A personal milestone versus playing for one’s team is always a difficult decision. Kohli made her decision and was ahead of the series, so it’s important to respect that decision. “
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While India may not be the safest heading into the second round at Melbourne Cricket Ground, as of December 26, Gilchrist believes that the team can look back at their players’ performances and believe they have a chance. But having said that, Gilchrist pointed to an interesting incident, highlighting how much the India field needs to improve.
“India can rejoice in her bowling performance. In Adelaide they were extremely good, even though their excellence was overshadowed by the Australian rhythm trio, “he wrote. “It should also be noted that India’s efforts on the ground were very costly in the final analysis. One particularly important moment was when Mayank Agarwal dropped Tim Paine. If they had had that opportunity, Australia would have been 111-8 and would have finished with a lot less than the 191 they finally scored.
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