Why captain Rahane will be tough to crack for Aus

Australia opener David Warner says Ajinkya Rahane, who will lead India in the Tests in the absence of Virat Kohli, who will be flying back to India for the birth of his first child after the first Test, starting December 17 in Adelaide, will not be easy target of banters.

Warner lauded Kohli’s decision to be with his wife for the big day, while praising India's Test vice-captain Rahane for his measured approach.

Asked how different the Test contest would be with Rahane expected to lead after Virat leaves, Warner said, "He's calm and very measured in his approach. He's got a very good cricket brain.

"...it's like chalk and cheese with them two (Kolhi and Rahane) and as a player to try and engage him on the field and getting into that contest as players, it's obviously lots to think about how to do that especially with Ajinkya as captain.

"The great thing from India's perspective is that you've got three if not four very good players who could captain the team at any time. With him, he'll bring a calm and measured approach with his nature."

Former Australia coach John Buchanan believes Rahane is not like Virat Kohli in his gameplay and shouldn't try to emulate his captain.

"Virat's departure from the team is a huge blow to the Indian campaign in Australia. They will miss his enthusiasm, his competitiveness, his belief in what they can do as a team. On top of this, they will be missing one of the finest batsmen in world cricket," Buchanan said.

"I do not have any insight into Rahane as a leader and a captain. He will not be Kohli, nor should he try to be. His first job will be to score runs, and lead by example this way," added the former Australian coach.

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