Kohli’s absence will impact India, but we can’t be complacent: Langer

Australia coach Justin Langer said he respected Virat Kohli’s (in pic) decision and would encourage his own players to miss cricket to be present for the birth of their children if it came up. PTI

MELBOURNE, November 13

Virat Kohli is one of the best players Justin Langer has ever seen and his absence from the last three Tests in the upcoming series will be keenly felt, the Australia coach said today.

Kohli will head home after the series-opening Test at Adelaide Oval to be with his wife ahead of the birth of their first child, robbing India of their captain and star batsman.

Langer said the impact on India would be like any team taking out their best player. “I’ve said this before, he is probably the best player I’ve ever seen in my life for so many reasons,” Langer told reporters in a video call.

“It’s not only his batting but his energy, his passion for the game, the way he fields. I cannot believe the energy he displays in everything he does,” he said. “Are we happy he’s not playing? It’s like taking Dustin Martin out of Richmond, isn’t it?” added Langer, referring to the champion Australian Rules footballer.

Langer said he respected Kohli’s decision and would encourage his own players to miss cricket to be present for the birth of their children if it came up.

Australia were beaten by India the last time Kohli’s side toured in 2018/19 and Langer said the hosts could ill-afford to breathe any easier without Kohli around. “Of course it’ll have an impact but we also know that India, they beat us last time, they’re a very, very good team,” he said. “We cannot get complacent for a second with or without Virat. So we’re going to have to be on our toes all summer and we’re looking forward to that.”

Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon said Kohli’s absence doesn’t necessarily make Australia favourites. “It’s disappointing for the series. You want to play against the best players in the world,” Lyon told Fox Sports. “It’s disappointing but they have still got superstars. It’s still going to be a massive challenge for us. Just because Virat’s not here doesn’t mean we get to hold the trophy up. We’ve still got a lot of work to do, a lot of homework to do,” he added. — Agencies