Virat Kohli’s absence from the last three tests against Australia is currently the biggest topic of conversation as the Indian team prepares for the Down Under series, which begins on November 27 in Sydney. India will play a 3-game ODI series first followed by as many T20I. And then the 4-game test series that will begin on December 17 in Adelaide.
Captain Kohli will fly back home after leading the team in the first Test, which is a matter of day and night, for the birth of his first child. While many experts have opposed Kohli’s return amid the test series, head coach Ravi Shastri has backed the captain’s decision to return for the birth of his first child.
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“I think it is the right decision you are making. These moments don’t come over and over again. He has the opportunity, he is going to come back and I think he will be happier about that, ”Shastri told ABC Sport.
Shastri agreed with the fact that the Indian captain has been the “driving force” behind the team’s success throughout the years. However, he assured that Kohli’s absence will create an opportunity for ‘young boys’.
“If you look at where India has gone in the last five or six years, there is no question in anyone’s mind that he is the driving force and the man behind (India’s success). So they would obviously miss him. But as I say, in adversity comes opportunity. There are many young people in the team and it is an opportunity for them, ”he said.
Shastri also expressed his apprehensions about Ishant Sharma’s participation in the next series of tests if he does not arrive in Australia in the next few days.
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Ishant suffered lateral strain during the 2020 IPL and is currently at the NCA in rehab. But the BCCI has yet to announce when it will arrive in Australia.
Considering the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement, it’s clear that the first warm-up match against Australia A, at Drummoyne Oval on December 6-8, is likely to be missed if it doesn’t come out on Monday.
“You really don’t know how fast it will be available to fly. Like I said, if anyone has to play the test series, they should be on the flight in the next four or five days. Otherwise it is very difficult, ”Shastri said.
(With PTI inputs)
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