Former Indian opener, Sunil Gavaskar, has admitted that not having to contend with Virat Kohli for three of the four Tests of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy will benefit the Australians immensely.
Kohli, who has smashed six Test hundreds in 12 Tests that he has played in Australia, will head home after featuring in the pink-ball Test at his favorite venue- The Adelaide Oval- in order to be with his pregnant wife, Anushka Sharma.
Sunil Gavaskar recently appeared on former West Indies pacer, Michael Holding’s Youtube channel, where he said that the Australians will breathe a huge sigh of relief at the fact that Virat will not be around in the last three Test matches.
“I think that (Kohli’s absence) is really going to help the Australians. Because, look at his record against Australia. It is an unbelievable one. In 12 Test matches in Australia, he has scored six hundreds against them. For the Australians it’s one relief that he is not going to be around for the last three matches.” Sunil Gavaskar said.
‘India has invariably won when Virat Kohli has not been around’- Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar, however, alluded to the fact that the Indian cricket team has found a way to win in the past in Virat Kohli’s absence.
The legendary opener recalled the 2017 Dharamsala Test against Australia where vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane led India to a memorable win in Virat’s absence.
Gavaskar hoped that India manages to find a combination to make up for the absence of the legendary Kohli.
“If you have a look at what India have done in his absence in the past, you will find that India has invariably won when he has not been around.” Sunil Gavaskar said.
“I am hoping that in these three Tests (against Australia) also they will find somebody or the combination to make up for his absence.” he signed off.
The four-match Test series between India and Australia will kick off with the day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval from December 17.
Also Read- Virat Kohli Is The Greatest ODI Batsman Of All Time: Aaron Finch