A Bit Disappointed And Surprised – Steve Waugh On Virat Kohli’s Withdrawal From Last Three Test Matches Against Australia
Nov 10, 2020 at 5:08 PM
Former Australian World Cup-winning captain Steve Waugh is surprised with Virat Kohli’s decision to leave the Indian team in between a high-level Test series against Australia. Team India captain will return home after playing the first Test match under the light scheduled on December 17. He has taken paternity leave to be with his wife Anushka Sharma on the birth of their first child.
Virat Kohli is not only Team India’s batting mainstay but also a huge crowd puller. His absence will also affect the viewership and thus, broadcasters, who are already suffering financial crises because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Bit Disappointed And Surprised – Steve Waugh
Steve Waugh is also a bit disappointed to not see him in the whole series albeit it carries huge importance in Virat’s career. He, however, admitted that family is always the priority for players.
“I’m a little bit disappointed he’s not going to be there, and a bit surprised. This was really shaping up as one the key series of his whole career after he’s achieved just about everything. But obviously family comes first,” Steve Waugh said.
Virat Kohli will be with the team in the three-match ODI series as well as the T20I series. He will also play the first-ever day-night Test match between India and Australia in Adelaide before returning to India.
We have to respect Virat Kohli’s decision: Nick Hockley
Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley respects Virat Kohli’s Choice as he prepares for fatherhood in January but is thrilled that the superstar will be there for most of the tour.
“We’re thrilled Virat is coming out for three ODIs, three T20s, the first ever day-night Test against India and we have to respect the fact he wants to be there for the birth of his first child. Clearly, (he is) one of the game’s absolute superstars. We’re looking forward to seeing him here for seven out of the 10 matches,” Hockley told Sydney radio station SEN.
Hockley reckons that it would be a fascinating series because there are other huge players featuring in the much-awaited tour.
“You’ve got a good number of players from both sides who played the last series in Australia which India won. There’ll be a huge amount to play for … it will be fascinating series,” said Hockley.
Team India will leave Australia on November 12.