India request a major change in Australia series to accommodate father-to-be Virat Kohli

After plying their trade in the on-going IPL 2020, Indian players are slated to head tour Australia which includes the much-awaited four-match Test series, three ODIs and as many T20Is. One of the main attractions of the series– Virat Kohli– is doubtful to be a part of the entire tour as he’s expecting his first child in January.

Virat and his wife Anushka Sharma, arguably one of the most popular couples in India, had announced in August through their social media handles that they’re expecting their first child in ‘January’. Though there hasn’t been any word on a more specific due date, Virat will likely juggle between his professional and personal life in Australia.

According to recent reports, India wants the traditional New Year’s Test to not start until January 7. With a fourth Test to follow in Brisbane, the series will pushed further and father-to-be Kohli’s availability wouldn’t get affected and the Indian skipper’s precious few days won’t clash with his cricket commitments. Cricket Australia is finally expected to release the Indian schedule this week following a month of administrative delays.

Both Virat and Anushka are currently in the UAE

Meanwhile, Anushka is currently with Virat in the UAE as the RCB skipper is vying for maiden IPL trophy with the Bangalore side. It’s still unclear whether the star couple will consider having baby in Australia, away from home, just like David Warner and Candice Warner. The Australian couple had welcomed their third child into the world during the 2019 World Cup in the UK.

Air travel has become complicated owing to Covid-19 pandemic, and though Kohli could easily fly back from UAE to India in a private jet, he would face problems to rejoin the national side in Australia due to two-week quarantine requirements. It’s still unknown if Indian players are going to travel to Australia with their families but reports suggest that the visitors’ contingent could exceed 50 people.

Cricket Australia is also in a tussle with the broadcasters Channel Seven due to the board’s handling of the summer schedule. The Sydney Test usually starts on January 3 or 4, and a January 7 start has not happened since the fateful summer of 2014-15. The dates were altered back then due to the tragic demise of Phillip Hughes.