Xtra Time Web Desk: Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday said Virat Kohli’s absence from three tests against Australia will certainly leave a void in the Indian batting line-up. At the same time Tendulkar stated India do have the bench strength to put up a tough fight against the hosts.
Acknowledging the fact that captain Virat Kohli’s absence for three Tests in the four-match series against Australia is certain to leave a ‘void’ in the Indian batting line-up, legendary Sachin Tendulkar stated that India do have the bench strength to put up a tough fight against the hosts.
“But let’s understand, this is not about individuals. It is about our team and the best part about Indian cricket right now is there is bench strength,” added Tendulkar.
“So Virat has to come back for personal reasons and some youngster is going to get a chance to play in his spot and that’s an opportunity for someone else.”
Kohli will only lead the side in the first of the four Tests, starting in Adelaide on December 17, before returning home for the birth of his first child.
Tendulkar also insisted that India’s bowling attack led by the fiery Jasprit Bumrah and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is also stronger and can challenge Australia.
“Every era should be kept separate, I don’t like comparing,” he said, when asked if this was the strongest attack India has produced.
“But I can say that it (India) is a complete bowling attack. So it doesn’t matter what kind of surface you are playing on, you have got all sides covered.
“You have got bowlers who can swing the ball. When it comes to variations and awkwardness, that is also there.
“Someone hitting the deck hard is also there. We have got a wrist spinner, we have got finger spinners.”
The first test will be played at the Adelaide Oval starting December 17. It will be a Day Night test.
With Inputs from AFP