Hope India Win The 1st Test In Adelaide Before Virat Kohli Leaves - Farokh Engineer

Former India batsman, Farokh Engineer feels that the Indian team will miss Virat Kohli badly after he returns home from Australia post the first Test match. The Indian captain has been granted paternity leave by the BCCI to attend the birth of his first child with his wife and Bollywood actress, Anushka Sharma. Therefore, the right-hander has pulled out from the Test matches in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

Farokh Engineer believes that Kohli is a world-class batsman and his loss is going to hugely affect the Indian batting. He heaps praise on Kohli’s performances against Australia in Australia in recent years.

Forokh Engineer hopes that India maximizes their opportunities in Adelaide and take a 1-0 lead in the series. He also congratulates Kohli and Anuskha for becoming parents.

Speaking to The Times of India, Farokh Engineer said, “India is going to miss Virat dearly. Look, he is a world-class batsman and how are you going to afford to not have a world-class batsman in your group. The manner he dominates a team, particularly Australia, is amazing.

“I know this is his personal matter, that he is going on paternity leave. My best wishes are with him and Anuska. India is going to miss Virat badly. I hope India get a 1-0 lead before Virat leaves.”

Rohit Sharma will have a key role in Virat Kohli’s absence: Farokh Engineer

The 82-year-old reckons that Rohit Sharma will play a vital role in Virat Kohli’s absence. Rohit has been declared fit and will fly soon for Australia. He will have to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine in Australia. The right-hander is expected to play in the last two Test matches.

Farokh Engineer opines that Rohit is a superb captain and expects him to do well at the Test level as well. The former legend says that stand-in captain, Ajinkya Rahane will also have enormous weights on his shoulders. However, he would be assisted by the Mumbai Indians captain on and off the field.

“In Virat’s absence, Rohit will be having a key position. Virat and Rohit are fairly related. Both are superb captains. I will hope Rohit will be completely excellent and a match for the Tests. India will want Rohit in Virat’s absence.

Rahane is the vice-captain and will have an enormous duty on his shoulders. Rohit’s presence will be an enormous assist for Rahane in Tests,” Farokh Engineer added.

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