The BCCI recently released an official press release that stated Indian skipper Virat Kohli will be absent for a few Test matches against Australia. The news did not go well with Indian fans.
Virat Kohli and his men are scheduled to play a full series against Australia, with three ODIs, three T20Is and four Tests. But Kohli will miss the last three Tests, since he will be going on paternity leave to be with his wife and actress Anushka Sharma for the birth of their first child.
Harsha Bhogle commented on Kohli’s decision by tweeting, “For the modern player, there is more to life than just his profession. But for the Indian team, the tour just got tougher.”
Well, well…this is huge news. Kohli to return after the 1st test in Australia to be there for the birth of his child. For the modern player, there is more to life than just his profession. But for the Indian team, the tour just got tougher.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 9, 2020
But Kohli’s daddy duties have infuriated several fans. As usual, they flooded Twitter to complain about Kohli’s decision to leave the series halfway. Some even comparing him to Dhoni.
Though I respect Virat Kohli and his paternity leave is very much genuine and he deserves it..
And that’s why MS Dhoni becomes more special because his first priority was his Nation when Ziva was born.
It takes a lot of courage to become The MS Dhoni..!!#AUSvIND— Ashim Prakash (@apjpsinha) November 9, 2020
Just heard Kohli won’t take part in 3 of 4 test matches against the aussies due to ‘Paternity leave’. We will play without our best test batsman.
Then we had dhoni who didn’t come back to India during the 2015 wc when ziva was born. Priorities matter. #INDvAUS #INDvsAUS
— Varun Garg 🇮🇳 (@IamV_Garg) November 9, 2020
Nothing imp than national duty, yet again Kohli proved he is not a leader
— Sunil Kalyan (@sunilguts) November 9, 2020
But others came in defense of the Indian skipper, claiming that it is his personal choice and not a national commitment.
Kohli has every right to leave test series
Don’t compare it with Dhoni
It’s his personal call
— KAUSHIK PANDEY (@__kaushik18) November 9, 2020
MS Dhoni retired in middle of the series.
Rohit Sharma missed fourth test after his daughter was born.
Virat Kohli takes paternity leave after first Test.
MS Dhoni didn’t see his daughter ahead of the World Cup.
All of these are personal decisions and should be respected.
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) November 9, 2020
Why is Kohli questioned for taking a paternity leave? It doesn’t make sense to throw in what Dhoni said and compare. It’s a personal choice. Let him live his life like you happily live yours.
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) November 9, 2020
As a role model, Kohli’s decision to skip the most important Test series in cricket (and you know how much he enjoys the challenge of Tests) for his paternity leave goes a long way in setting the example for Indian men. Plan that long paternity leave, your family deserves it!
— cricBC (@cricBC) November 9, 2020
Cricketers from all over the world take paternity leaves, and it’s a matter of celebration. Here, it’s almost like Kohli is being questioned for becoming a father.
Another reason why the whole concept of paternity leaves in India hasn’t been rolled out like we would have liked.
— Sarah Waris (@swaris16) November 9, 2020
This is fabulous news. He needs to be part of this life changing event. https://t.co/5hI0lEGSQf
— Naomi Datta (@nowme_datta) November 9, 2020
India will be facing Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will begin from November 27, 2020 and go on till January 19, 2021.
