Question stays intake on everyone’s mind who’ll be there to fill absence of Virat Kohli and do India still stand a chance to win Test series in Australia without Virat Kohli. Virat Kohli’s paternity leave has become the talk of the town and not a day passes without media adding some more salt in the issue. Indian Skipper Virat Kohli has played 19 matches against Australia scoring 7 centuries with an average of 48.61. His record is better in Australian soil which averages 55.39 including 6 centuries scoring it all over Australian grounds. We saw his best in Adelaide scoring innings double 115 and 141 respectively in 2014. Australian bowlers will be happiest with no sight of Virat Kohli in that Indian batting line up.
Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar believes the other Indian batsmen will step up to the occasion.
Sunil Gavaskar said “If you actually have a look, India have won every time Virat wasn’t there, be it the Dharamshala Test against Australia, the Afghanistan Test, Nidahas Trophy or the Asia Cup in 2018,” Gavaskar told “Indian players do tend to raise their game when he is not around. They understand they have to make up for his absence.”
India will be most reliable with Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara since they have most experience playing in Australia and overseas. Huge amount of the responsibility will fall on the experienced set of players. Gavaskar feels the selectors should name the person who will take charge as India’s skipper in Kohli’s absence.
“It’s going to be tough for Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara,” Gavaskar added. “Both these players have to bat out of their skin. Captaincy will actually help Rahane. He will feel a lot more secure and in control of situations. The selection committee is clear about who should lead in Virat’s absence and he has done well as a Test captain.” Said Sunil Gavaskar.
Pujara should be allowed to play the game he knows best,” said Gavaskar. “That’s what got him here. You don’t tamper with a player’s natural aptitude or temperament. Like you never told Sehwag how to play, nobody should be telling Pujara how to get runs as long as he is getting the runs and the hundreds.”
Gavaskar added: “If he is let alone and no pressure is put on him, that’s going to work in India’s favor. He is so rock steady, the others can score around him and play shots.”
India needs to be in the battle throughout mentally and physically to win this series in absence of Virat Kohli.
