Rahane should not try to captain like Kohli during Test series: John Buchanan

Ajinkya Rahane is likely to lead the Indian time in the absence of Virat Kohli in the last three Tests against Australia. The regular skipper is going to be on a paternity leave post the pink-ball day-night Test.

Kohli’s absence is a huge talking point, but Rahane has led India in the past with his own brand of captaincy. One of Australia’s most successful coaches ever John Buchanan shared his views on the same.

“Virat’s departure from the team is a huge blow to the Indian campaign in Australia. They will miss his enthusiasm, his competitiveness, his belief in what they can do as a team. On top of this, they will be missing one of the finest batsmen in world cricket,” Buchanan told ANI.

However, Buchanan said that Rahane should maintain his uniqueness and not try to emulate the regular captain. “I do not have any insight into Rahane as a leader and a captain. He will not be Kohli, nor should he try to be. His first job will be to score runs, and lead by example this way,” added the former Australian coach.

Further, speaking about Ishant Sharma’s injury, Buchanan said that India are going to miss him if he does not recover in time to play the Test series.

“I think the Australian bowling attack of Cummins, Starc, Hazelwood, Pattinson, Neser, Lyons, Swepson look a stronger and more balanced attack than India, especially if Ishant is not available. Playing in Australian conditions, bowlers need experience. Ashwin and Kuldeep will play good support roles and may be a factor in Sydney. But India lacks solid backup to Bumrah, Shami, and Yadav,” said Buchanan.

India are scheduled to play 4 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is against Australia. The first ODI will take place on Friday in Sydney.