India tour of Australia: ‘I wanted to be back home for the birth of our first child,’ says Virat Kohli
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The all-important India tour of Australia is scheduled to begin tomorrow with the first of three ODIs, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. There will then be three T20Is and four Test matches. Indian skipper Virat Kohli will lead his side in the limited overs series and the first Test but, won’t be available for the final three Tests as he will leave for India for the birth of his first child with wife Anushka Sharma. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is expected to lead India in Kohli’s absence.
Kohli’s decision to go on ‘paternity leave’ was announced after the announcement of India’s squads for the tour. Rohit Sharma was then included in the Test squad but following news of injury, he might not make it for the series as well. There had been calls for Kohli to put nation first and stay in Australia but the Indian skipper has been firm in his decision to be there for the ‘special’ moment in his life.
‘I had explained my decision to the selectors in the selection meeting’
Virat Kohli spoke about his decision to leave the tour and return to India for his first child’s birth in a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCC) official Twitter handle. “I will be flying back after the first Test. That was purely based on the fact that we have a quarantine period. I had explained the same to the selectors during the selection meeting,” the Indian skipper said.
“I wanted to be back home in time to be with my wife for the birth of our first child. It’s a very special and beautiful moment in our lives. It’s something I truly want to experience. That was the reason behind my decision,” Kohli added.
Kohli will be seen in action tomorrow in the first ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Also Read: Australia vs India 1st ODI: Preview, Probable XI, Head-to-Head and Fantasy 11
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Nevin Clinton
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