Smith backs Kohli’s decision to travel back to India after first Test

Virat Kohli’s absence after the first Test against Australia has got everyone talking. But his opponents respect his decision and have backed the call. Australia’s batting mainstay Steve Smith thinks that although Virat’s absence will be a big loss for India, the Indian batsman has a life outside of cricket and that needs to be taken into consideration.

“No doubt, it’s a big loss for India. Virat is a world-class player. I think you got to give him some credit, we all know how much he loves playing in Australia. But he is also a human being. He has got a life outside of cricket, a family that is starting,” Smith told the press on Thursday.

“Credit to him for wanting to be there for the birth of his first child. We know how much he loves playing in Australia, how good he is, but as I said, credit should go to him for wanting to be there,” he added.

Kohli will lead India in their first ever Pink Ball test on foreign soil from December 17. The Indian team is in the middle of pink ball practice game against Australia A, which the skipper has decided to give a miss.

In Kohli’s absence Ajinkya Rahane will lead the Indian team in all likelihood. Rahane showed good signs with the bat in the first practice game, making a well crafted century.

Smith also opined that Ishant Sharma’s absence is going to be a big concern for the touring party. Ishant is not a part of the team after suffering a side strain in the IPL 2020.

“Ishant Sharma is probably a big loss for them at the start if he’s not available... He’s obviously played a lot of cricket. Maybe without him, it may not be the strongest. I’m sure they would like him to play,” Smith said.