Indian skipper Virat Kohli held a virtual press conference ahead of the four-match Test series against England. While talking about strategies and game plan against England, he talked about fatherhood and still being connected with&nbsp;the team despite not being physically present with them during the recently concluded Australia series.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-to-start-in-first-test-against-england-confirms-virat-kohli-361331" hreflang="en">Rishabh Pant to start in first Test against England, confirms Virat Kohli</a>

During the conference, Virat Kohli talked about becoming a father and said that it was the "greatest moment" of his life.&nbsp;

"Becoming a father has been the greatest moment of my life. I can't compare it to a series win. But the connection to the team doesn't go away even if I'm not there. We are invariably connected and I was watching all the action," said Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

Kohli had left the squad for paternity leave after a humiliating loss against the Australians in the first Test in Adelaide. Many cricketing experts believed that Team India were in for a whitewash against the mighty Australians&nbsp;due to&nbsp;Kohli's departure. However, Team India, led by Ajinkya Rahane, bounced back and went on to seal a historic win against the Australians. They also ended Australia's 32-year long dominance at the Gabba, Brisbane.&nbsp;

Virat talked about the Gabba Test and said: "I was actually watching Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur's partnership at Brisbane on my phone just before the doctor called me in."

Kohli will be back leading the team after missing the last three Tests against Australia to be with his wife on the birth of their first child. Ajinkya Rahane, in Kohli's absence, led the Indian team impeccably well as India won the series 2-1. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Indian team will have an optional practice session before the match starts on Friday in Chennai. &nbsp;

India last lost a home Test series back in 2012 – against England – and will look to continue their domination on home soil.&nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli held a virtual press conference ahead of the four-match Test series against England. While talking about strategies and game plan against England, he talked about fatherhood and still being connected with the team despite not being physically present with them during the recently concluded Australia series.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli held a virtual press conference ahead of the four-match Test series against England. While talking about strategies and game plan against England, he talked about fatherhood and still being connected with the team despite not being physically present with them during the recently concluded Australia series. ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant to start in first Test against England, confirms Virat Kohli During the conference, Virat Kohli talked about becoming a father and said that it was the "greatest moment" of his life. "Becoming a father has been the greatest moment of my life. I can't compare it to a series win. But the connection to the team doesn't go away even if I'm not there. We are invariably connected and I was watching all the action," said Virat Kohli. Kohli had left the squad for paternity leave after a humiliating loss against the Australians in the first Test in Adelaide. Many cricketing experts believed that Team India were in for a whitewash against the mighty Australians due to Kohli's departure. However, Team India, led by Ajinkya Rahane, bounced back and went on to seal a historic win against the Australians. They also ended Australia's 32-year long dominance at the Gabba, Brisbane. Virat talked about the Gabba Test and said: "I was actually watching Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur's partnership at Brisbane on my phone just before the doctor called me in." Kohli will be back leading the team after missing the last three Tests against Australia to be with his wife on the birth of their first child. Ajinkya Rahane, in Kohli's absence, led the Indian team impeccably well as India won the series 2-1. Meanwhile, the Indian team will have an optional practice session before the match starts on Friday in Chennai. India last lost a home Test series back in 2012 – against England – and will look to continue their domination on home soil.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli reveals the greatest moment of his life

Virat Kohli's absence in the final three Test matches against Australia will leave a big void for Team India. Discussion on who will replace Kohli in the team's batting order has been heating up.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-the-team-needs-me-to-open-thats-what-i-will-do-labuschagne-on-his-batting-order-against-india-349281" hreflang="en">'If team needs me to open..': Labuschagne on his batting order against India</a>

According to India's batting legend Gavaskar, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane should bat for the team at the crucial No.4 position after Kohli leaves for the birth of his first child.

“Virat’s obviously there only for the first Test then you’d expect Rahane to take over (as captain) but they (India) have to find someone to bat at No.4. Who do you expect to take that No.4 spot?” asked former Australia skipper Ponting, who was the host of the panel discussion aired on 7 cricket, the official broadcaster of India vs Australia Tests.

“It looks to me it could be KL Rahul. Or no, actually I think Rahane will go at No.4 once Virat goes away,” Gavaskar said in reply.

Gavaskar went on to talk about the No.5 situation, he said: “Then you might have Rahul bat at No.5 or Shubman Gill.”

Talking about the first the Test, Gavaskar said Australia have the experience of playing more pink-ball Tests.

“I would think whoever bats well is going to win the game. Australia has played a lot of (day-night) matches, they have the experience of knowing exactly what happens when the sun’s going down and how to bat and bowl at that particular point of time,” he said.

Virat Kohli's absence in the final three Test matches against Australia will leave a big void for Team India. Discussion on who will replace Kohli in the team's batting order has been heating up.

Virat Kohli's absence in the final three Test matches against Australia will leave a big void for Team India. Discussion on who will replace Kohli in the team's batting order has been heating up. Also read: 'If team needs me to open..': Labuschagne on his batting order against India According to India's batting legend Gavaskar, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane should bat for the team at the crucial No.4 position after Kohli leaves for the birth of his first child. “Virat’s obviously there only for the first Test then you’d expect Rahane to take over (as captain) but they (India) have to find someone to bat at No.4. Who do you expect to take that No.4 spot?” asked former Australia skipper Ponting, who was the host of the panel discussion aired on 7 cricket, the official broadcaster of India vs Australia Tests. “It looks to me it could be KL Rahul. Or no, actually I think Rahane will go at No.4 once Virat goes away,” Gavaskar said in reply. Gavaskar went on to talk about the No.5 situation, he said: “Then you might have Rahul bat at No.5 or Shubman Gill.” Talking about the first the Test, Gavaskar said Australia have the experience of playing more pink-ball Tests. “I would think whoever bats well is going to win the game. Australia has played a lot of (day-night) matches, they have the experience of knowing exactly what happens when the sun’s going down and how to bat and bowl at that particular point of time,” he said.

Sunil Gavaskar picks this batsman who will bat at No.4 after Virat Kohli leaves

Australian great Steve Waugh on Tuesday said he was disappointed that Virat Kohli will miss three Tests against Australia to be at the birth of his first child after being granted paternity leave by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While Waugh was disappointed by Kohli missing three of the four Tests against Australia, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan said people need to respect Kohli’s decision and appreciate that there is life beyond cricket.

The Indian skipper and his Bollywood superstar wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their first child in January with Kohli returning back to Indian from Australia after the first Test in Adelaide, which commences on December 17.

Kohli’s absence has come as a huge blow to broadcasters and cricket authorities are already feeling the effects in a pandemic affected year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-tour-of-australia-virat-kohli-granted-paternity-leave-rohit-joins-test-squad-341912" hreflang="en">India's tour of Australia: Virat Kohli granted paternity leave, Rohit joins Test squad</a>

"I'm a little bit disappointed he's not going to be there -- and a bit surprised," former skipper Waugh, who played 168 Tests, told AFP.

"This was really shaping up as one the key series of his whole career after he's achieved just about everything. But obviously family comes first."

"It's a bit like a couple of years ago when India won without (David) Warner or (Steve) Smith in the side," he said.

"You really want to win against the best possible opposition, particularly when this is like the heavyweight title fight."

Whereas Irfan Pathan is of the view that people should understand that family is important and there is life beyond cricket. However, he admitted that Kohli not being there with the team will have a huge impact on Team India. Irfan further backed Rohit Sharma to lead the side in the Test series, in the absence of Kohli, as he said that Rohit is a proven leader.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-final-delhi-capitals-eye-maiden-title-win-against-four-time-champions-mumbai-indians-341992" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 FINAL: Delhi Capitals eye maiden title win against four-time champions Mumbai Indians</a>

“Virat Kohli not being there will have a huge impact on the team but you have to respect his decision. We have to accept and appreciate life beyond cricket, family is very important.

“On the field, it is bound to make a massive difference and it is very tough for anyone to fill his shoes. The way he has performed over the years and in all conditions.

“Nothing against Rahane but Rohit has to captain. He is a proven leader and has the required experience. His role as an opener will be equally crucial. He is the guy you want to play in Australia. I remember ODI series in 2008 and he was new but did quite well on Australian pitches. He will be raring to go after the injury,” Irfan Pathan told PTI.

India are due leave this week for Australia, where they will spend two weeks in quarantine in Sydney before the first one-day international on November 27.

Australian great Steve Waugh on Tuesday said he was disappointed that Virat Kohli will miss three Tests against Australia to be at the birth of his first child after being granted paternity leave by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Australian great Steve Waugh on Tuesday said he was disappointed that Virat Kohli will miss three Tests against Australia to be at the birth of his first child after being granted paternity leave by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While Waugh was disappointed by Kohli missing three of the four Tests against Australia, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan said people need to respect Kohli’s decision and appreciate that there is life beyond cricket. The Indian skipper and his Bollywood superstar wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their first child in January with Kohli returning back to Indian from Australia after the first Test in Adelaide, which commences on December 17. Kohli’s absence has come as a huge blow to broadcasters and cricket authorities are already feeling the effects in a pandemic affected year. ALSO READ: India's tour of Australia: Virat Kohli granted paternity leave, Rohit joins Test squad "I'm a little bit disappointed he's not going to be there -- and a bit surprised," former skipper Waugh, who played 168 Tests, told AFP. "This was really shaping up as one the key series of his whole career after he's achieved just about everything. But obviously family comes first." "It's a bit like a couple of years ago when India won without (David) Warner or (Steve) Smith in the side," he said. "You really want to win against the best possible opposition, particularly when this is like the heavyweight title fight." Whereas Irfan Pathan is of the view that people should understand that family is important and there is life beyond cricket. However, he admitted that Kohli not being there with the team will have a huge impact on Team India. Irfan further backed Rohit Sharma to lead the side in the Test series, in the absence of Kohli, as he said that Rohit is a proven leader. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 FINAL: Delhi Capitals eye maiden title win against four-time champions Mumbai Indians “Virat Kohli not being there will have a huge impact on the team but you have to respect his decision. We have to accept and appreciate life beyond cricket, family is very important. “On the field, it is bound to make a massive difference and it is very tough for anyone to fill his shoes. The way he has performed over the years and in all conditions. “Nothing against Rahane but Rohit has to captain. He is a proven leader and has the required experience. His role as an opener will be equally crucial. He is the guy you want to play in Australia. I remember ODI series in 2008 and he was new but did quite well on Australian pitches. He will be raring to go after the injury,” Irfan Pathan told PTI. India are due leave this week for Australia, where they will spend two weeks in quarantine in Sydney before the first one-day international on November 27.

AUS vs IND: Steve Waugh disappointed with Virat Kohli missing 3 Tests, Irfan Pathan says 'family is important'

Virat Kohli has been granted a paternity leave by the BCCI and will return to India after playing the first test in Adelaide as his actor wife Anushka Sharma is due to give birth to their first child in early January.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma has been added to the Test squad. The BCCI has decided to rest Rohit for the ODIs and T20Is in Australia so that he regains full fitness.&nbsp;

According to BCCI, this was decided at the selection committee meeting that was held on October 26.&nbsp;

Earlier, a Times of India report suggested that Rohit will be selected only if he clears the fitness test.&nbsp;

The report said that Team India physio Nitin Patel has to declare Sharma fit only to be considered for selection.&nbsp;

"Rohit won’t travel to Australia unless he clears a fitness Test conducted by Team India physio Nitin Patel. Unless Patel and the National Cricket Academy declare him fit, Rohit is not going to Australia," said a source in the BCCI.&nbsp;

"However, we’re keen to see that Rohit is fit in time for the Test series, considering that Virat has written to the Board that he may miss as many as three Tests due to personal reasons in January."

Virat Kohli has been granted a paternity leave by the BCCI and will return to India after playing the first test in Adelaide as his actor wife Anushka Sharma is due to give birth to their first child in early January.

Virat Kohli has been granted a paternity leave by the BCCI and will return to India after playing the first test in Adelaide as his actor wife Anushka Sharma is due to give birth to their first child in early January. Rohit Sharma has been added to the Test squad. The BCCI has decided to rest Rohit for the ODIs and T20Is in Australia so that he regains full fitness. According to BCCI, this was decided at the selection committee meeting that was held on October 26. Earlier, a Times of India report suggested that Rohit will be selected only if he clears the fitness test. The report said that Team India physio Nitin Patel has to declare Sharma fit only to be considered for selection. "Rohit won’t travel to Australia unless he clears a fitness Test conducted by Team India physio Nitin Patel. Unless Patel and the National Cricket Academy declare him fit, Rohit is not going to Australia," said a source in the BCCI. "However, we’re keen to see that Rohit is fit in time for the Test series, considering that Virat has written to the Board that he may miss as many as three Tests due to personal reasons in January."

India's tour of Australia: Virat Kohli granted paternity leave, Rohit joins Test squad