IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli’s Absence an Opportunity For KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara Says Harbhajan Singh

The most-anticipated series between India and Australia is just a few days away. Team India will play three ODIs, as many T20Is and four Test matches with the hosts Australia.

India has already reached Sydney and started training under quarantine. Team India captain Virat Kohli will be returning to India after the Adelaide Test to attend the birth of his first child which is expected to arrive in January.

There is no doubt that India’s number 4 will leave a void in the team but many cricket experts are viewing it as an opportunity for other teammates. Recently India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh opened up on such opportunity while talking to ‘Sports Tak’.

Kohli’s Absence Opens Window For KL Rahul: Harbhajan Singh

In an exclusive interview with ‘Sports Tak’, Harbhajan Singh stated that a batsman like KL Rahul, who is making a comeback in the Indian Test side, can find a ‘window of opportunity’ in his captain’s absence.

“Virat Kohli is coming back after the first Test but this opens the window of opportunity for someone like KL Rahul, who is coming back in the Test team. Virat Kohli is a big player and he has scored runs whenever he has toured Australia, his absence will be missed but this is an opportunity for players to step in,” said Harbhajan Singh.

Indian off-spinner further said the players like KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma will have a ‘golden chance’ to step in and stamp their authority.

“Virat Kohli’s absence should be seen in this manner. KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara are big players and they have an opportunity to prove themselves. If Rohit Sharma opens in a Test match in Australia, it’s a big thing in itself.”

Fact That Virat Kohli is There or Not Should be Forgotten: Harbhajan Singh

Speaking on the upcoming clash between India and hosts Australia, Harbhajan Singh said that they should repeat what they did in 2018-19 on Kangaroos land. At the same time, he also said that the fact that captain Virat Kohli is there or nit should be forgotten.

“I think Team India has it in them but the fact that Virat Kohli is there or not should be forgotten. The team should just remember that they are in Australia to win and repeat what they did the last time,” Harbhajan Singh told Aaj Tak’s Senior Executive Editor Vikrant Gupta.

Last time when India visited Australia in 2018-19, India defeated Australia 2-1 and won a Test series Down Under for the first time. Cheteshwar Pujara (521) was the leading run-scorer in the series.