Virat Kohli's absence provides an opportunity to KL Rahul: Harbhajan Singh

Virat Kohli’s paternity leaves have become a talking point in the cricket fraternity. The Australian tour is considered one of the toughest and it will be extremely difficult for India to reconquer hosts in the absence of their leader who will return to India after playing the first Test. However, Harbhajan Singh feels that this can be an opportunity for KL Rahul.

Kohli is considered as one of the best Test batsmen in the world. India will be missing him badly and Bhajji thinks that KL Rahul can be the one replacing him at number 4. It has been a debatable point since the announcement of Kohli’s return and Shubman Gill and KL Rahul are front runners of the same spot. Notably, Rahul made a comeback into the Test squad following his miraculous form in this year which continued in IPL 2020 as well.

“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,” the 40-year-old told Sports Tak.

If Rohit Sharma opens in a Test match in Australia, it’s a big thing in itself: Harbhajan Singh

The veteran spinner also spoke about Rohit Sharma, India’s limited-overs vice-captain. Rohit will be joining the team only in the Test series as he is recovering from a hamstring injury. Harbhajan feels that if Rohit plays as an opener in Australia, it will be a big thing. Notably, Rohit is an established limited-overs opener but he has started opening in the Tests last year only.

He missed the New Zealand tour due to injury after his successful stint in the home games. The Mumbai lad is expected to open in the Test series with Mayank Agarwal. As it will be his first overseas tour as a Test opener, all eyes will be on the star batsman.

“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,” Harbhajan added.