Team India’s skipper Virat Kohli has reportedly left the “Men in Blue” squad to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma in India. The 32-year-old cricketer and the famous Bollywood actress are expecting their first child in January 2021. Virat Kohli took paternity leave to celebrate this grand occasion with his wife. The right-handed batsman will miss India’s remaining three Test matches against the Australians. Nevertheless, reports claim that Kohli had some motivational words for his teammates before he bid adieu to them in Australia.

Also Read | AUS vs IND Test: Steve Smith Backs Virat Kohli’s Paternity Leave Decision

India vs Australia 2020: Virat Kohli’s motivational words for Team India

As confirmed by a BCCI official to ANI, Virat Kohli has left for India. Ajinkya Rahane will lead the visitors in the remaining Tests. The BCCI official added that Virat Kohli spoke with the entire squad before boarding the flight home. As reported, Kohli wanted to “boost the confidence of the boys and keep them positive” to face the Aussies in the rest of the games. Virat Kohli also passed on the captaincy band to Ajinkya Rahane as he asked the entire team to keep their “intent” high when they will take the pitch against Australians.

Also Read | India In Australia: Five Controversies That Shook The Cricketing World

India vs Australia: Rohit Sharma is back in the squad

India’s season-campaigner Rohit Sharma will soon join his teammates in Australia as he has landed in the land of Kangaroos. The 33-year-old opener is currently quarantining in Sydney and will be available to join India’s playing XI from the third Test. In the absence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma can play a captain-figure alongside Ajinkya Rahane while facing the heavyweights of world cricket. The official source confirmed that “Rohit Sharma is safe and is in a bio-secure environment”

Also Read | Breaking News: Suresh Raina Arrested In Raid At Mumbai club

India vs Australia Test Schedule

Here is a look at the India vs Australia schedule for the remaining matches of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series.

  1. India vs Australia 2nd Test – Melbourne Cricket Ground between December 26 and December 30
  2. India vs Australia 3rd Test – Sydney Cricket Ground between January 7 and January 11
  3. India vs Australia 4th Test – The Gabba between January 15 and January 19