Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels Virat Kohli's absence post the first Test in Adelaide will open up an opportunity for KL Rahul as he returns to the Test set-up for the marquee tour of Australia.
Kohli won't be there for the last three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as the birth of his first child in early January coincides with the series. The Indian captain has been granted paternity leave by the BCCI.
Read Also: India will miss "mature leader" Virat Kohli during Tests, says John Buchanan
Given that the Indian batting line-up is packed till No.7 with enough back-ups available, Rahul's immediate comeback into the playing XI will be difficult.
But if he plays, the talented right-hander will have the chance to put at rest the question marks raised at his reinclusion on the back of runs in white-ball cricket, with no recent first-class performances to show for his revival.
Rahul last played a Test in August 2019 when he struggled in the West Indies and continued a long drought of runs which included poor tours to South Africa, England and Australia as well.
"Virat Kohli is coming back after the first Test but this open the window of opportunity for someone like KL Rahul, who is coming back in the Test team," Harbhajan said on Sports Tak. "Virat Kohli is a big player and he has scored runs whenever he has toured Australia, his absence will be missed but this is an opportunity for players to step in."
Harbhajan named last tour's hero Cheteshwar Pujara in that list too while also recognising Rohit Sharma opening in Australia as a "big thing" for the right-hander.
"Virat Kohli's absence should be seen in this manner. KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara are big players and they have an opportunity to prove themselves. If Rohit Sharma opens in a Test match in Australia, it's a big thing in itself."
"I think Team India have it in them but the fact that Virat Kohli is there or not should be forgotten. The team should just remember that they are in Australia to win and repeat what they did the last time," he signed off.
The four-match Test series begins on December 17.
