India Tour of Australia : ‘There are a lot of quality players,’ VVS Laxman feels India has “options available” to fill Virat Kohli’s big shoes

India Tour of Australia : ‘There are a lot of quality players,’ VVS Laxman feels India has “options available” to fill Virat Kohli’s big shoes

Virat Kohli in the Nottingham Test 2018

Virat Kohli in the Nottingham Test 2018
Virat Kohli

As the most anticipated Border Gavaskar series draws closer, the talks around Indian captain Virat Kohli‘s absence keep flooding the cricketing fraternity. But remains common among all the ruckus around the matter is the fact that Kohli’s absence will have a big impact on the high profile clash. Both India and Australia are coming off a great run in the format and the skipper’s absence puts the visitors at a disadvantage.

Form of players in white ball series crucial

VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman

But former India skipper VVS Laxman doesn’t think so. While Laxman agrees that Kohli’s absence will be a big factor, he believes India has the depth to fill his big shoes. The 46-year-old believes that the performance of the players in the white ball series preceding the Test series will be a crucial factor. Laxman opines that the team management should give priority to the players who are in good shape, both physically and mentally.

“There are options available in the squad. There are a lot of quality players. Since the Test matches are going to be held only in late December, I think the coaching staff and the team management will see which player is doing well. They would also probably see the form of players in the ODI and T20I series, besides the way they have been playing in the nets. Whoever is in form and is looking positive — that is, mind-set and body language — will seize the opportunity, and I am sure there are enough players in the squad,” Laxman said as quoted by IANS.

All eyes on KL Rahul

kl rahul
KL Rahul

From the looks of it, KL Rahul seems to be the perfect replacement for Kohli in the middle order. Although Rahul has had a poor run against the red ball, his exceptional run first for India and then in the IPL will boost his confidence Down Under. The Karnataka opener has proved his worth in the longest format quite times already. And it only makes sense to give Rahul another go in all whites.

On the other hand, Prithvi Shaw and Shubhman Gill could also be on the team management’s mind as an option. But given their timid run in the IPL, their chances of breaking into the side look bleak.

Having said so, the bulk of the responsibility will fall upon the able shoulders of Cheteshwar Pujara and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. The side will be expecting a repeat of Pujara’s heroics from his last visit Down Under if they want to defend the prestigious Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Also read : “I am not happy with fast bowlers these days,” Kapil Dev hails importance of swing over pace across formats