Team India Head Coach Ravi Shastri Opens Up on Virat Kohli’s Decision to Take Paternity Leave 

Ever since Team India captain decided to take paternity leave during the Australia series, it has become the biggest talking point in the country as the series begins from November 27 in Sydney. 

Virat Kohli’s absence in the last three Tests against Australia has also become a concern for many. 

In the Australia series, India will first play a 3-match ODI series followed by as many T20Is and then the 4-match Test series which will start from December 17 in Adelaide.

During the Test Series, captain Kohli will fly back home for the birth of his first child. Amid many cricket experts, who have opposed Kohli’s return, head-coach Ravi Shastri has backed the captain’s decision to return for the birth of his first child. 

“I think it’s the right decision he’s taking. These moments don’t come time and time again. He has the opportunity, he’s going back, and I think he’ll be happier for that,” Shastri told ABC Sport.

“If you see where India have gone in the last five-six years, there’s no doubt in absolutely anyone’s mind that he’s the driving force and the man behind it (India’s success). So, he obviously would be missed. But like I say, in adversity comes opportunity. There are a lot of young guys in the side and it’s an opportunity for them,” he added.

Shastri has also agreed that the Indian captain has been the ‘driving force’ behind the team’s success to which he feels that Kohli’s absence will generate opportunity the ‘young guys.

Further in his conversation, Shastri also expressed his apprehensions about Ishant Sharma’s participation in the upcoming Test series. Ishant sustained a side strain during the IPL 2020 and is currently at the NCA undergoing rehabilitation. 

“You don’t really know how quickly he’ll be available to fly out. As I said, if anyone has to play in the Test series, he has to be on the flight in the next four or five days. Otherwise, it’s very difficult,” asserted Shastri over Ishant.