Former India off-roader Irfan Pathan believes that Virat Kohli’s absence during the test series against Australia will definitely boost Australia’s morale. The Cricket Control Board in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday that it granted paternity leave to Indian captain Virat Kohli, who will return from Team India’s upcoming tour of Australia after the first test. The BCCI in an official statement confirmed that Kohli had informed the board of her plans to return home for the birth of her first child.
The decision meant that Kohli will only play the first pink ball event in Adelaide and miss the remaining three events.
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“The fact that Virat is not there will make the Australians feel much more comfortable, but we have a great bowling lineup and if our hitters can get the job done it will be an interesting series,” former India pacemaker Irfan Pathan told the PTI news agency.
The last time Kohi-led India traveled to Australia, the visitors had won the event series 2-1. But at the time, Australia’s top two players, David Warner and Steve Smith, were not playing because they were still in compliance with their respective bans for their involvement in the infamous ball-handling scandal of 2018.
Pathan said India still has a good team without Kohli, but added that things will be a bit more difficult with Warner and Smith back in the mix.
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“I feel like we have a good team, but we will miss Virat. They have one of the best pact attacks and don’t forget that Smith and Warner are back. I’d like to predict the outcome of the series after the warm-up game, ”added Pathan.
“Virat Kohli’s absence will have a great impact on the team, but his decision must be respected. We have to accept and appreciate life beyond cricket, family is very important, ”said Pathan.
“On the field he is destined to make a big difference and it is very difficult for anyone to take his place. The way it has performed over the years and in all conditions, “he added.
India is scheduled to play 3 ODI, 3 T20I and 4 Tests against Australia. The first ODI between the two teams will be played on November 27 in Sydney.
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