Virat Kohli's Absence Creates Both Void and Opportunity, Says Sachin Tendulkar
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|| India Correspondent ||
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After having tasted a mixed result in the limited-overs series, Team India are all set to take on Australia in the four-match Test series, starting from December 17 in Adelaide. Meanwhile, Team India won’t get the service of Virat Kohli in the final three Tests as he will be returning home for the birth of his first child with his wife, Anushka Sharma.
However, batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar said that Kohli's absence will create a "void" in the Test series against Australia, but also shared that it will be a golden opportunity for youngsters to step up.
In an interview with AFP, Tendulkar said: "Let's understand, this is not about individuals. It is about our team and the best part about Indian cricket right now is there is bench strength. When you lose an experienced player like this there is without any doubt a void. Some youngster is going to get a chance to play in his spot and that's an opportunity for someone else."
However, Team India wouldn’t get their senior batsman Rohit Sharma as he has been recovering from a hamstring injury. Although he will undergo a fitness test on Friday, Tendulkar said that the presence of these players are certainly crucial.
"If he meets all the parameters; if he is fit then he should be there," said Tendulkar. "Rohit is a special player and an experienced player. When a senior cricketer comes back in the team, it does have an impact."
Notably, Kohli led Team India beat Australia in the historic Test series in Australia in 2018-19 and at that time David Warner and Steve Smith weren’t featured for Australia as well. However, this time it will be a tough competition for India.
