Virat Kohli's paternity leave irks few, lauded by many

India captain Virat Kohli, who plans to return home for the birth of his first child, has been granted a paternity leave from the team's tour of Australia after the opening Test in Adelaide, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) said on Monday.

"The BCCI has granted paternity leave to the Indian captain. He will return after the first Test against Australia in Adelaide," board secretary Jay Shah said in a statement.

Upon the announcement, many took to social media and shared their opinions on what should have been a rather personal decision of the Indian frontman. While many lauded the cricketer to prirotise his family, few compared him to former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni, who continued his tour in 2015 when his daughter was born. 

"Then why even bother to go for one test. Better skip the entire series and let Rohit lead if he is fit," wrote one user.

"Remember MSD didn't return on the birth of Ziva because he was in the midst of India's World Cup 2015 campaign down under," another said on Twitter. "Just a memory. Nothing to do with Virat as such, everybody should respect Virat's choice and he deserves it."

"I do agree it's Virat's choice. But does Army officers have similar leeway? I think when you are playing for your country it's a privilege and not luxury. Not everyone gets the opportunity to play for India. But I do understand compassionate leaves in other professions. So respect," another user wrote.

Many came to Kohli's defense. 

"MS Dhoni retired in the middle of the series. Rohit Sharma missed the fourth test after his daughter was born. Virat Kohli takes paternity leave after the first Test. MS Dhoni didn't see his daughter ahead of the World Cup. All of these are personal decisions and should be respected," a user shared. 

"Virat Kohli skipping the test series in Oz after the first test, to be with his wife, is his personal decision. What’s the hullabaloo all about? Kohli is contracted by the BCCI and has applied for paternity leave. It’s a deal between an employee and his employer. As simple as that," wrote another. 

One more user shared the same sentiments. Virat Kohli asking and getting granted paternity leave is setting a bar. Good on BCCI! Family is important."

"So goddamn glad to see Virat Kohli take paternity leave," said another user.

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