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Xtra Time Web Desk: India skipper Virat Kohli might skip the last two Tests of the highly-anticipated four-match series against Australia as he gears up for the birth of his first child in January. Kohli''s actor wife Anushka Sharma is due to give birth to the couple''s first child in early January.

An official word on the skipper''s itinerary is not yet out but a BCCI source told PTI that Kohli can be expected to take paternity leave after the first two Tests of the series starting December 17.

"The BCCI has always believed that family is priority. In case, the skipper decides on availing paternity break, he will then be available only for the first two Test matches," the senior source said on conditions of anonymity.

The BCCI has, over the years, encouraged cricketers to take paternity breaks and it is no different for India''s captain and best batsman.

"Look, in normal times, he could have flown back for the birth of his first born, missed a Test and played the final one in Brisbane. However, if the 14-day quarantine is still in place, it will be difficult to go and come back again," the source added.

There is a school of thought that KL Rahul''s presence in the Test squad could be doubly beneficial in such a scenario.

The four Test matches will be held in Adelaide (D/N, December 17-21), Melbourne (Dec 26-30), Sydney (Jan 7-11, 2021) and Brisbane (Jan 15-19).