Australia vs India: Virat Kohli might miss last two Tests of the four-match series

Soon after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on November 10, team India is scheduled to fly to Australia. The two teams will be locking horns against each other in three ODIs, as many T20I and four Test matches in a three-month long tour. As far as the limited-overs leg is concerned, the visitors look strong enough to compete. But when it comes to the longest format of the game, India have a few things to worry.

Their ace pacer Ishant Sharma is training hard to get fit in time for the series starting on December 17 and if recent reports are to be believed, the skipper Virat Kohli is also likely to miss the last two Test matches. Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their first baby in January which coincides with the Test series and the 32-year-old is most likely to take a paternity leave during that period.

The last two Tests between India and Australia will be played in Sydney (January 7 to January 11) and Brisbane (January 15 to January 19). Virat Kohli is yet to decide on the same lines but the BCCI is expected to allow him to leave the tour mid-way to be with his wife if he asks for it.

“The BCCI has always believed that family is priority. In case, the skipper decides on availing paternity break, he will then be available only for the first two Test matches,” a senior source said on condition on anonymity while speaking to Outlook.

14-day quarantine making things tough, says source

In normal circumstances, it would’ve been a quick flight back home for Virat Kohli and after a few days, he could’ve joined the team again for the final Test again. However, with COVID-19 still around, the strict quarantine rules are still in place and a quick trip to India won’t be possible.

“Look, in normal times, he could have flown back for the birth of his first born, missed a Test and played the final one in Brisbane. However, if the 14-day quarantine is still in place, it will be difficult to go and come back again,” the source further added.