India vs Australia: “If India can beat Australia without Virat Kohli, they can celebrate for a year,” says Michael Clarke

India vs Australia: “If India can beat Australia without Virat Kohli, they can celebrate for a year,” says Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke and Virat Kohli
Michael Clarke and Virat Kohli

Even before the Indian team traveled to Australia for the ongoing India vs Australia series, a major news pivotal in deciding the outcome of the series came from the side. It as that India captain Virat Kohli would be returning home after the first Test match in Adelaide on a paternity leave. Game analysts have been discussing ever since whether India can beat Australia in the longest format of the game without Kohli. Many believe it will be a tough challenge.

Now, former Australia captain, Michael Clarke has joined in the discussion. “There are probably two sides to Virat, one is the captaincy part and the other is the batting part. Who is going to bat in place of Virat. KL Rahul is very talented, there is no doubt about it. I think he is experienced, playing in these conditions before. He can do it,” Clarke said on the latest episode of Inspiration on India Today TV.

‘They have to believe they are good enough’ – Clarke

Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane

Michael Clarke has stated that believes no one can fill in Virat Kohli’s shoes. However, he also added that if India manage to beat the Aussies in their own backyard, it would be a reason to celebrate.

“But Virat Kohli’s boots can never be filled by anybody. I love Jinx (Rahane). He is a great player. His captaincy is pretty good,” he said about Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane would ideally take over the captaincy in Tests in Kohli’s absence. “Tactically, he is a very good captain and it’s going to be good for India. You have got to see it as an opportunity. You have got to try and create history,” Clarke added.

“If India can beat Australia at Australia’s own backyard without Virat Kohli, you can celebrate for a year. That will be an unbelievable win,” he further said. “I think that’s the way Indian players have to look at it. They have to believe they are good enough to take on and beat this Australian team,” he signed off.

Meanwhile, India has already lost the ODI series, with Australia taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The third ODI will take place at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on December 2.

Also Read: India vs Australia: Gautam Gambhir slams Virat Kohli’s ‘ poor captaincy’ during the 2nd ODI