Kohli leaves for India, asks the team to put their best foot forward in the remaining Tests

India skipper Virat Kohli left for India on Tuesday morning after handing over the captaincy duties to Ajinkya Rahane. Speaking to ANI, a source close to the development said that Kohli boarded a flight to India this morning after having a meeting with the team management. After a disappointing outing in the 2nd innings at the Adelaide Oval, the 32-year-old wants the team to not lament over the mistakes and look forward to what lies ahead in the remaining three Tests.

"Kohli has left Australia today morning. He had a word with the whole unit before leaving and the idea was to boost the confidence of the boys and keep them positive. He officially handed over the mantle of captaincy to Rahane and asked the team to keep showing intent and express themselves on the pitch. With Rohit Sharma set to join the squad only after the second game, Rahane's role becomes all the more important in guiding the youngsters." - the source said. 

Rohit Sharma, who is undergoing his quarantine period in Sydney, is being monitored by the team physios. With New South Wales witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases, a BCCI official confirmed that the veteran batsman is safe and will continue to undergo quarantine in Sydney. "He does not need to move from Sydney. He is safe and is in a bio-secure environment undergoing quarantine. While he is alone in his room, the Indian board, as well as the team management, is constantly in touch with him. If there was any emergency or if we felt that he needed to get out of Sydney, we would. But for now, he is completely safe there." - the official told ANI. 

India and Australia will lock horns in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26. 

[ANI input]