Missing Virat Kohli Will Be A Huge Setback For Team India, Says India Skipper's Childhood Coach

Rajkumar Sharma, childhood coach of Virat Kohli , has said that the absence of the Indian skipper for three Tests against Australia would be a setback. The India batting mainstay would return home after playing the first Test of the four-match series to be at the birth of his first child.

Anushka Sharma is due to give birth in early January. The BCCI has already given paternity leave to the 32-year old. And due to the strict and mandatory quarantine rules, Virat Kohli won’t be able to return to Australia for the latter games. Rajkumar Sharma said India would not only miss Virat Kohli’s batting but also his leadership.

“It’s a very important series and we know both teams are very competitive, this series is very crucial and the world is looking forward to it. After a long time, competitive cricket will be seen and I feel it will be a good series to watch. Kohli will come back after the first Test and it will be a big setback for the team,” Rajkumar Sharma told ANI.

“Everyone knows the kind of record Virat has against Australia, he gives the team the desired momentum and he is a sort of captain who leads from the front. He is very focused and determined so I think the Indian team will miss these qualities against Australia. The hosts will have a slight advantage but I hope that the players who get an opportunity in the absence of Virat grab their chance as we have talented players on our side,” he added.

Arguably the best batsman in the world at the moment, the 32-year old has a stunning Test record in Australia. In 12 Tests so far, he has amassed 1,274 runs at an average of more than 55 with the help of six hundreds and three fifties.

Chance for Ajinkya Rahane to establish as captain:

In Virat Kohli’s absence, Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team. Talking about the India Test vice-captain, Sharm praised the batsman by calling him a ‘very good player in Tests. He also stated that Rahane would have a chance to establish himself as a captain.

“Ajinkya Rahane is a very good player in Tests. He has a good record. He has good technique and he is a good leader. He will have a chance to establish himself as a captain,” he said.

Prior to the Test series, India would also play three ODIs and three T20Is against the hosts. The ODI series would kickstart the tour on November 27 in Sydney.

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