Ever since BCCI granted paternity leave to India’s patron Virat Kohli, there have been many concerns about who will be India’s No. 4 after the first test match in Adelaide. Kohli will not be available for the last three tests, as she will be with her Anushka Sharma for the birth of her first child. While there is no doubt that it will create a huge void in India’s batting lineup, experts and former cricketers in unison agreed that the Indian board did the right thing.
However, the 1987 World Cup-winning Australian captain Allan Border had an interesting take on the entire episode, saying that Kohli might have considered the option of having her newborn baby in Australia, rather than India.
“We thought he might think about having his newborn baby here because we can claim his offspring as Australian,” Border joked during a media interaction.
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Explaining things in all seriousness, Border said Kohli’s unavailability will be a great loss for India, as the right-hander is “irreplaceable” at the moment. “The only thing 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.
Calling Kohli “a special player”, Border said that he leads the positive brand of cricket that India now plays around the world.
“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 him. 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, ”Border said.
India will play three ODIs, starting on November 27 in Sydney, and as many T20Is before the four-match test series begins on December 17. Kohli will be available for the limited overs stage and the first test in Adelaide, which will also mark the first day-night romance between the two parties.
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