'Presents Opportunity For Others To Step Up': Rahul Dravid On Virat Kohli's Absence
Virat Kohli will miss first two Test against England [X.com]
India head into the first two Tests against England without the services of former captain Virat Kohli, which, as per many former cricketers and experts, gives Rohit Sharma and Co. a considerable handicap.
However, head coach Rahul Dravid believes that Kohli's unavailability gives other players in the squad an opportunity to step up and make their presence felt in the highly-anticipated series.
Kohli, who has slammed 1,991 Test runs against England, has opted to sit out of the Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam encounters, owing to 'personal reasons' after being initially selected in the 16-man squad.
As quoted by India Today, Dravid acknowledged that Kohli's presence is unmatched, and that his absence will give others a chance to prove their worth.
'It's a great opportunity for others' - Rahul Dravid
"I think you know any team will miss the quality of a player of the Virat. There's no doubt about it. You know, he's a phenomenal player. His record speaks for him. On the field, his presence is a huge boost to the side. But having said that, you know, I think, it just presents another opportunity for somebody else to be able to step up and to be able to put in some performances," said Dravid.
"And of course, you know, for reasons I can't be helped, he is not available for us in the first couple of games, But certainly like I said it, you know, while he will be missed. It's a great opportunity for somebody else to really, sort of show us what they've got in this conditions," he added.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to name Kohli's replacement, who is expected to field in the third Test at Rajkot on February 15.
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