Two innings, two ducks. Before the start of the ongoing three-ODI series, Virat Kohli did not have a single duck in the format on Australian soil. But now, he has two on the trot. At Adelaide Oval, a venue where he has two centuries, a venue where former captain MS Dhoni said that a Virat Kohli stand may be named, the 36-year-old departed for a four-ball duck. This is the first time Kohli has been dismissed for a duck in consecutive ODI innings.
Three years earlier, Kohli had pulled off a herculean task on October 23 at Melbourne Cricket Ground. He had snatched a win from jaws from defeat against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 high-voltage clash.
But, three years later, Kohli has retired from Tests and T20Is. Playing only in ODIs, he has copped criticism alongside Rohit Sharma for lack of match practice. On his return to international cricket after ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, he lost his wicket to Mitchell Starc at Perth Stadium for a seven ball-duck. At Adelaide Oval, he was trapped in front of the stumps by Xavier Bartlett, the pacer who replaced Nathan Ellis in the side. He was beaten by the swing, played across and paid the price for it.
Not worth opting for review
After the umpire raised the finger, Kohli had a conversation with Rohit as the 15-second timer ran out. Both were convinced that it isn’t worth wasting a review and Kohli walked back to the pavillion. While walking back to the pavillion, he acknowledged the crowd, a move which may spark speculations on social media.
Hopeful a few days ago, Kohli faces reality and challenge
Just a few days earlier, Kohli in an interview with Adam Gilchrist and Ravi Shastri had said said that he is determined to play. A few months earlier he had expressed that his next goal is ODI World Cup 2027. Now, the third and final ODI of the series at Sydney Cricket Ground will be crucial for Kohli who is searching for a run in a country he once dominated unlike anyone. Irrespective of whether he plays in the World Cup, this is going to be his final tour of Australia.