India vs Australia: Virat Kohli might take paternity leave, likely to miss last two Tests

Virat Kohli might not feature in the last two Test matches against Australia, as he is expecting his first baby during the same time period ith his Bollywood wife, Anushka Sharma. However, an official statement on the same is yet to come.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli might miss the last two matches of the scheduled four-Test series against Australia, as the former is expecting his first baby in January next year. Owing to Kohli’s personal commitments, the in-form batsman, KL Rahul might feature in his place as a middle-order batsman. 

Kohli’s wife, Anushka Sharma, a famous Bollywood actress, who announced her pregnancy on August 27, is expected to give birth to her first child.

An official statement on this is not yet out as such, but a BCCI source told PTI that Kohli, the expectant father, might not play the last two Test matches.

"The BCCI has always believed that family is priority. In case, the skipper decides on availing paternity break, he will then be available only for the first two Test matches," the senior source said on conditions of anonymity. 

"Look, in normal times, he could have flown back for the birth of his first born, missed a Test and played the final one in Brisbane. However, if the 14-day quarantine is still in place, it will be difficult to go and come back again," the source added.

The Indian players will leave for the 70-day tour to Australia, just after the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The first match will be an ODI match between two sides starting from November 27.