On Wednesday, the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli said that he had no doubts while asking for paternity leave so that he could return home to be with his pregnant wife Anushka Sharma. Kohli will be coming back to Mumbai after the first Test between Australia and India which will be played at the Adelaide Oval from December 17 to 21. The Indian deputy skipper, Ajinkya Rahane will step into the skipper’s shoes in Kohli’s absence.

Virat Kohli’s decision garnered a lot of praises from the Indian sporting community and fans. Talking about it, Kohli said he is “very excited” to welcome his first child with Anushka.

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During an informal chat with Steve Smith ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Test series opener, Virat said, “It’s a decision that was absolutely clear in my mind. As committed as you are to play for your country this is a very, very special moment in life that you want to be there for at any cost. It’s a blessed time and we’re very excited.”

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Kohli also expressed full faith in Rahane’s leadership and wished him all the best for the remaining 3 Tests which he won’t be a part of.

Virat Kohli explained, “Firstly, Rahane and I have built mutual understanding over the years, we have had great partnerships batting together which is based on trust. Rahane has done a fantastic job in the two practice games, he seems to be very composed and he knows the strengths of our team and how we need to go.”

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He further added, “We already know the template we play with and how we want to go about things. We are on the same page and I am sure Rahane will do a tremendous job in my absence.”