Cricket Australia (CA) interim CEO Nick Hockley doesn't think the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which renews the longstanding rivalry between the two nations, will be any less "fascinating" for viewers despite visiting skipper Virat Kohli's absence in the last three Tests. 

Kohli was on Monday (November 9) granted paternity leave by the BCCI to return home post the series opener in Adelaide. The great batsman is about to become a father in early January, having already confirmed his wife Anushka Sharma's pregnancy. 

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"When they announced their pregnancy earlier, I think it was always on the cards," Hockley told Sydney radio station SEN.

"We're thrilled Virat is coming out for three ODIs, three T20s, the first ever day-night Test against India and we have to respect the fact he wants to be there for the birth of his first child."

"Clearly, (he is) one of the game's absolute superstars. We're looking forward to seeing him here for seven out of the 10 matches."

"You've got a good number of players from both sides who played the last series in Australia which India won. There'll be a huge amount to play for ... it will be fascinating series," he added. 

The quarantine regulations imposed on tourists arriving down under amid COVID-19 pandemic also puts Kohli's return for later Tests out of the equation. 

"I think it's pretty challenged (for him to return). Obviously a mandatory 14-day quarantine period," Hockley said. "Logistically it's very much more complicated and being brutal it's much harder than normal."

Kohli will leave with his team for Australia on November 12 from Dubai and lead India in six limited-overs fixtures as well as the historic D/N Test before his return. The white-ball leg, which will be held before the Test matches, is due to start on November 27 in Sydney. 

(Inputs from AFP)