Xtra Time Web Desk: Ace Australian batsman Steve Smith on Thursday backed Indian captain Virat Kohli’s decision to leave back in the middle of the test series to be by the side of his wife who is expecting their first child.
While Kohli’s decision to leave the series mid-way has been debated, Smith feels the Kohli should be given the credit to make that choice.
Smith admitted that Kohli would’ve wanted to be in Australia considering how much he loves to perform Down Under but he also has a life beyond the sport and it’s fair for him to be with his family at this important phase in his life.
“No doubt it is a big loss for India. We know Virat is a world class player and you got to give him credit for how much he loved playing down here. (But) He is also a human being and has got a life outside of cricket and a family that is starting,” Smith told reporters in a virtual press conference from Adelaide.
“Credit to him for wanting to be there for the birth of his first child. We know how much he loves playing in Australia and how good he is. Lots of credit to go to him for wanting to be there,” he added.
Smith also felt that the current Indian bowling attack is not the best. According to Smith India will miss the absence of veteran pacer Ishant Sharma. While Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will be the two lead pacers in the bowling attack, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj will be vying for the third spot in the pace trio.
“Ishant Sharma is probably a big loss for them at the start, if he’s not available… He’s obviously played a lot of cricket. Maybe without him, it may not be the strongest. I’m sure they would like him to play,” said Smith in a virtual press meet.