Virat Kohli to tour Australia in January despite expected birth of his first child: BCCI official

Virat Kohli and wife Anushka Sharma took the internet by storm on Thursday as they announced on social media that they were expecting their first child. The star couple revealed that they will be welcoming a new member into the family in January.

As soon as the pair shared the special news with everyone, the film and cricket fraternities took to social media to extend their congratulatory wishes to Virat and Anushka.

The fact that ‘Virushka’ is expecting their first baby in January also came as a minor scare for the Indian Test side, who is expected to lock horns with Australia during that time frame. India are set to face Australia in a four-Test series Down Under, starting December 3, where Kohli is expected to be their talisman.

It’s uncertain when exactly are Kohli and Anushka expecting the birth of their first child but the Indian skipper’s absence against Australia will surely be a big blow for the Indian side. Kohli, who averages 55 on the Australian soil, is anticipated to lead his team from the front in the much-anticipated tour.

Virat Kohli has not said anything to the contrary: BCCI official

Dousing the questions on Kohli’s availability for the series, a BCCI official confirmed that the Indian skipper hasn’t given any intimation to the board yet. The official also revealed that Kohli will most likely be a part of the Australia tour.

“He’s available for the tour, at least he has not said anything to the contrary,” said a BCCI official, who asked to remain anonymous, as quoted by The Times of India.

“Now, if he has to come back in the middle of the tour, he has not said anything about that either. Of course, there’s plenty of time before the series,” he added.

Kohli, regarded as one of the best batsmen of the modern era, boasts an impressive record Down Under. The prolific run-scorer has 1274 runs and six centuries to his name on the Australian soil. Considering his past batting records against the Kangaroos, Kohli’s presence during the tour will certainly be vital.

It was under Kohli’s leadership in 2018 when India clinched their first-ever series Down Under after registering a 2-1 defeat against an Australian side which was without David Warner and Steve Smith. However, with the return of both the Australian stalwarts, it will surely be an uphill task for Kohli and men to repeat their heroics this time. The Indian skipper hasn’t conveyed anything over his availability and his presence in Australia determining the outcome of the series.