Steve Smith has backed Indian captain Virat Kohli decision to return home for the birth of his first child. The former captain suggested that the absence of Virat Kohli would be a major missing for the tourists in the last three Tests but he also mentioned that the Indian skipper also lives a life outside the cricket field.
Kohli will lead the Indian side in the first Test which commences from December 17 in Adelaide. It’s going to be India’s first pink-ball Test on the Aussie soil. After the conclusion of the game, the Indian captain will head back home on paternity leave.
Kohli will be with his wife and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma as the couple expect their first child in January 2021.
“No doubt, it’s a big loss for India. Virat is a world-class player. I think you got to give him some credit, we all know how much he loves playing in Australia. But he is also a human being. He has got a life outside of cricket, a family that is starting,” Smith told the press on Thursday.
“Credit to him for wanting to be there for the birth of his first child. We know how much he loves playing in Australia, how good he is, but as I said, credit should go to him for wanting to be there,” he added.
Kohli’s unavailability has already become a huge point of discussion in the Australian cricketing fraternity. In all likelihood, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane will get the onus to lead the side and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Rahane recently hit form with a well made hundred against Australia A in the three-day practice game in Sydney, earlier this week.
Smith also pointed out that the absence of Ishant Sharma would be a major concern for the touring Indian side. The veteran Indian speedster was ruled out of the Test series after he suffered a side strain while playing for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020.
