Ajinkya Rahane will do a tremendous job in my absence: Virat Kohli

India skipper Virat Kohli backed vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane to do a 'tremendous job' leading the team once he goes on paternity leave after the pink-ball Test against Australia. 

Kohli will fly back to India to be with his wife for the birth of their first child. In his absence, Ajinkya Rahane will have a massive responsibility on his shoulders as he will be captaining the side for the remainder of the series. 

"We already know the template we play with and how we are to go ahead. We are absolutely on the same page and I am sure he (Rahane) will do a tremendous job in my absence. The vision remains simply to put in good performances and make sure that we are competing in every game. The idea is to win the series," - Kohli was quoted as saying during the media interaction. 

Virat Kohli Press Conference | AUS v IND 1st Test

While Team India has announced the Playing XI, Virat Kohli talks about the team’s preparations and his mindset ahead of the first Test in Adelaide tomorrow. https://t.co/TiLLMXP5z3#PlayBold #AUSvIND #TeamIndia

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) December 16, 2020

While addressing the media on Wednesday, the skipper asserted that the focus will largely remain on doing well in the opening Test. "The focus remains, till the time I am here, to be able to provide captaincy and leadership and performances to the best of my abilities. Then on, I am confident Jinks will do a tremendous job. This is his time to step up and perform, strongly as an individual and also as a captain. He will do a great job." - Kohli said.