Missing Virat Kohli Would Have An Impact On India, Says Justin Langer

Calling Virat Kohli ‘probably the best player I’ve ever seen’, Australia head coach Justin Langer has said that India would feel the impact of their captain’s absence in the upcoming Test series. The India skipper has decided to skip the last three Tests of the four-match series to be at the birth of his first child.

His wife Anushka Sharma is due to give birth in early January and Virat Kohli has been granted paternity leave to return to India after the first Test in Adelaide. India are scheduled to play three ODIs, three T20Is and four Tests in Australia. The ODI series from November 27 will kickstart the tour.

Virat Kohli will lead India in the limited-overs series as well as the first Test which will be a day-night affair before returning to India. And ahead of the showdown, Justin Langer has said the impact on India would be like any team taking out their best player.

“I’ve said this before, he is probably the best player I’ve ever seen in my life for so many reasons,” Justin Langer told reporters in a video call.

“It’s not only his batting but his energy, his passion for the game, the way he fields. I cannot believe the energy he displays in everything he does.

“Are we happy he’s not playing? It’s like taking Dustin Martin out of Richmond, isn’t it?” added Justin Langer, referring to the champion Australian Rules footballer.

‘They’re a very, very good team’:

While Justin Langer admitted that missing Kohli would have impact for India, he was quick to point out that the the visitors would still be a very good team and his side could ill-afford to breathe any easier.

“Of course it’ll have an impact but we also know that India, they beat us last time, they’re a very, very good team,” he said.

“We cannot get complacent for a second with or without Virat. So we’re going to have to be on our toes all summer and we’re looking forward to that,” he added.

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