Virat Kohli's decision to go back to India after playing only one Test against Australia got mixed views from fans and critiques. The India skipper and his Bollywood star wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their first child in January, and Kohli is set to return home after the opening Test in Adelaide ends on December 21.
While some said it's his personal choice and he deserves to take paternity leave, some compared him to MS Dhoni and criticised him for choosing his family over 'national duty'.
However, now supporting Kohli's decision is Australia head coach, Justin Langer. The former Aussie player said he "respects" Kohli for putting family before cricket.
"Virat Kohli is probably the best player I've ever seen in my life for so many reasons, not only batting but his energy and passion for the game, the way he fields," Langer told reporters by video conference.
"I cannot believe he displays the energy he does in everything he does and I've got so much respect for him. I've also got respect for him in the sense that he's made this decision (to return for the birth).
"He's a human being like all of us... if I was giving advice to any of my players I would always say never, ever miss the birth of your children because it is one of the great things you'll ever do."
Kohli will be leading India in three ODIs from late November, three Twenty20 internationals and the first Test -- a day-night match -- before departing.
His absence improves Australia's chances of avenging their home series defeat to India two years ago. "Of course it will have an impact (his absence), but we also know that India beat us last time (in 2018-19). They're a very, very good team, we cannot get complacent for a second with or without Virat," Langer added.
