Former Australian skipper Allan Border points that decision of Virat Kohli to take paternity leave will be a key advantage for Australia. Kohli has been granted paternity leave by the BCCI to be with his wife for the birth of their first child.
By which he would return to India after completing the first Test match against Australia. Kohli led India to their first Test series win in Australia on their last tour in 2018-19. But the home side were without batting stars Steve Smith and David Warner, who were serving one-year bans for ball-tampering.
Allan Border on Virat Kohli’s Absence
On a serious note, Border feels that this is the right opportunity for Australia as India are without the services of ‘irreplaceable’ Kohli. “The one thing that is in Australia’s favour is Virat Kohli playing only the first Test. I think that is a big OUT for India. He is irreplaceable at the moment as a batsman and a leader. Should be 2-1 to Australia,” Border said.
He said India could also struggle with the mental fatigue of spending weeks in “bubble” conditions so far from home. But Border said the biggest factor would be Kohli’s absence.
Allan Border Praises Virat Kohli
“Look, I love the way he plays his game; he wears his heart on his sleeve. I like his aggression and passion for the game. India as a team will miss that. He is a special player, has serious talent and is part of this new India — that’s the way I look at it.
The way India play the modern game, they have a very positive mindset, and Virat has led the way very well in those areas. I am a big fan,” said Border – who till date holds the record for scoring 150-plus runs in both innings of a Test match.
Border claims Junior Virat as Australian
During the conversation, Allan Border jokingly comments that they would claim junior Virat as Australian if he/she born in Australia.
“We were thinking he might think about having his newborn baby here because we can claim his offspring as Australian,” Border jokingly said during a media interaction.
Also read: Australia vs India 2020-21 Full Schedule Dates, Venues and Timings
