'If Virat Kohli would have his baby here, we could claim his offspring as Australian,' says this Aussie legend

With Virat Kohli taking paternity leave amid the Test series between India and Australia, both sides are sure to miss the Indian skipper on field.

However, former Australian skipper Allan Border, who till date holds the record for scoring 150-plus runs in both innings of a Test match, had a suggestion for the Indian captain. "We were thinking he might think about having his newborn baby here because we can claim his offspring as Australian," Border jokingly said during a media interaction.

But on a serious note, Border said that with Kohli missing out in action, it will be the right opportunity for Australia. "The one thing that is in Australia’s favour is Virat Kohli playing only the first Test. I think that is a big OUT for India. He is irreplaceable at the moment as a batsman and a leader. Should be 2-1 to Australia," Border said.

"Look, I love the way he plays his game; he wears his heart on his sleeve. I like his aggression and passion for the game. India as a team will miss that. He is a special player, has serious talent and is part of this new India — that’s the way I look at it. The way India play the modern game, they have a very positive mindset, and Virat has led the way very well in those areas. I am a big fan," said Border.

As far as the ODI series Down Under is concerned, KL Rahul will be Virat Kohli’s deputy in the white-ball leg since regular vice-captain Rohit is recuperating from a hamstring injury sustained during the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The series will be aired on Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 3 and Sony Six channels from November 27, 8 AM onwards.