Australia is undoubtedly going to be in an advantageous situation with Virat Kohli missing in the last three matches and they already have the lead after winning the astonishing opening match. Steve Smith, Australia’s batting mainstay and former Australian captain, has also acknowledged that India will be in a big loss with Virat Kohli missing from the squad.
Steve Smith revealed that after the end of the first Test, he wished Kohli for safe travel and congratulated him on the birth of his first child. Virat Kohli, reportedly, addressed his teammates, on Tuesday, where he motivated them to focus on the remaining of the series.
“I just fist-bumped (him) in the end (of the first Test) and said safe travel and hope everything goes well with the baby,” Smith said during a virtual press conference.
I am sure there would have been pressure on Virat Kohli to leave his team: Steve Smith
Highlighting a well-crafted 74 runs knock of Virat Kohli in the first innings Adelaide, Smith pointed out how the Team India captain can take on every challenge offered. He stressed that India will be missing his service in the remainder of the series.
“It is a big loss for him and India, not having him for the rest of the series. You have to look at the way he played in first innings, was a pretty class display on good bowling.Wicket was doing a bit,” Smith added.
Smith mentioned that it was a big decision for Virat Kohli to leave his team in midway considering the fans have huge hope for him.
“I had said it before and will say it again, credit to him to stand up and say I wanna go home for the birth of his first child. I am sure there would have been pressure on him to stay but credit to him,” Steve Smith maintained.
Meanwhile, after winning the first Test, Australia will take on India in the second Test match in Melbourne, which is scheduled to begin on December 26.