Key points:
- The unavailability of Virat Kohli in the Border-Gavaskar trophy’s last three matches has become a major point of contention in the Australian cricket fraternity.
- Retired Australian Coach John Buchanan, meanwhile, talked about how the absence of Kohli would impact the side.
- As a leader and a captain, I have little insight into Rahane. He’s not going to be Kohli, and neither should he pretend to be.
- India will compete against Australia in 4 Tests, 3 ODIs as well as 3 T20Is. The first ODI takes place in Sydney on Friday.
The unavailability of Virat Kohli in the Border-Gavaskar trophy’s last three matches has become a major point of contention in the Australian cricket fraternity.
After playing the opening Test in Adelaide, the Indian captain will travel back to India. Ajinkya Rahane would potentially lead the side in the remaining three Tests in his absence.
Australian Coach John Buchanan on Kholi’s absence:
Retired Australian Coach John Buchanan, meanwhile, talked about how the absence of Kohli would impact the side. He also mentioned what Rahane’s responsibility should be when the usual skipper is not going to be with the squad.
“The departure of Virat from the team is a significant blow to Australia’s Indian campaign. His passion, his competitiveness, his confidence in what they can do as a team will be missed. On top of this, one of the finest batsmen in world cricket will be missing,’ Buchanan told ANI.
“As a leader and a captain, I have little insight into Rahane. He’s not going to be Kohli, and neither should he pretend to be. “His first task will be to score runs as well as lead this way by example,” the former Australian coach stated.
Buchanan on Ishant Sharma’s injury:
Speaking of Ishant Sharma’s injury rehabilitation, Buchanan said he would be missed by the Indian side if he could not play the Test series toward Australia. He also stressed how Mohammad Shami, as well as for Jasprit Bumrah, lacked support for India.’
Buchanan on India and Australia’s bowlers:
I think the Pattinson, Cummins, Starc, Hazelwood, Neser, Lyons, Swepson Australian bowling attack looks stronger as well as more balanced than India, especially if there is no Ishant available.
Bowlers require experience when performing in Australian conditions. Ashwin and Kuldeep can play good support roles, and then in Sydney, they may be a factor. But India does not have a solid backup for Bumrah, Shami, as well as Yadav, Buchanan said.
India will compete against Australia in 4 Tests, 3 ODIs as well as 3 T20Is. The first ODI takes place in Sydney on Friday.
