‘Virat Kohli’s absence to impact India,’ Australia head coach Justin Langer

‘Virat Kohli’s absence to impact India,’ Australia head coach Justin Langer

Justin Langer and Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli

Indian skipper Virat Kohli recently applied for paternity leave during India’s upcoming tour of Australia later this month. He got the approval for it, and as a result, Kohli will miss the last three Test matches of the series. Virat will now play only the first Test after the limited-overs series to be with his wife and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma for the birth of their child.

Australia head coach Justin Langer said that the much-anticipated Test series would miss Virat Kohli’s energy in the field. However, Langer also went on to say that the Australian team will not be complacent in the absence of the Indian skipper. Interestingly, Kohli led India to an unprecedented Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19.

“Virat Kohli is probably the best player I’ve ever seen in my life for so many reasons. Not only batting but his energy and passion for the game, the way he fields,” Justin Langer said during a virtual press conference.

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“Of course! It (Kohli’s absence) will have an impact, but we also know that India beat us last time (in 2018-19). They’re a very, very good team, we cannot get complacent for a second with or without Virat,” Langer added.

Kohli is a human being like all of us: Langer

Justin Langer became Australia’s full-time coach in 2018

Justin Langer said that he would always tell his players to never miss the birth of their children. He also said that he respects Virat’s decision of taking this step.

“He’s a human being like all of us… if I was advising about any of my players I would always say never, ever miss the birth of your children as it is one of the great things you’ll ever do,” said Langer.

“I cannot believe he displays the energy he does in everything he does, and I’ve got so much respect for him. I’ve also got respect for him in the sense that he’s made this decision (to be with his wife for the birth of their child),” he signed off.

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