'Remember missing Ranji matches to be with my wife' - VVS Laxman backs Virat Kohli for taking paternity leave

The Indian skipper Virat Kohli has decided to miss the last three Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia to be with his wife Anushka Sharma at the time of the birth of their first child. Virat has travelled to Australia along with the Indian squad and will be playing three-match ODI series followed by as many T20I matches, starting from November 27 in Sydney.

However, the batsman will return back to India after playing the pink ball Test, starting from December 17 in Adelaide. He had already conveyed his decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during the selection meeting last month and has been granted a paternity leave.

Virat’s decision of taking the paternity leave had stirred a debate in the cricket fraternity with many people either supporting or opposing it. Meanwhile, many legendary cricketers extended their support to the Indian skipper for taking this tough call. The new addition to this list is former Indian veteran VVS Laxman who backed Kohli saying that his decision should be respected.

I believe you have to respect Virat Kohli’s decision: Laxman

Laxman reckoned that along with being a professional cricketer, Virat is a family man too. Thus, people should respect his decision of taking a break as becoming a father is a very important and memorable phase of one’s life.

“I believe you have to respect that. Yes, ultimately you are a professional cricketer but you are also a family man, and you also respect what is good for your family and what is good for your family. So, I believe we have to respect that decision. It is a very important phase of your life,” Laxman as quoted by Times Now News.

Supporting Kohli, Laxman gave his example. The veteran stated that he himself had missed a couple of matches to be wife during the birth of his daughter. He added that the first child is extremely special and it is a very important feeling.

“I remember myself missing a couple of Ranji Trophy matches to be with my wife for the delivery of my daughter. It is a very important feeling, especially when you are going to get your first child.” VVS concluded.

In the absence of Virat Kohli, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is expected to lead the Indian Test team in three Test matches scheduled at Sydney and Brisbane.