After failing to score a run off nine balls in his comeback ODI game in Perth, Virat Kohli yet again flopped at his favorite ground, Adelaide. This time, the right-hand batter was dismissed for a golden duck, falling to Xavier Bartlett in the second ODI against Australia. Crowds, who thronged to the stadiums to witness the King in action, were left disappointed as there was no Kohli show. This was also the first time the batter was dismissed for successive ducks in his ODI career.
While returning to the pavilion, the 36-year-old acknowledged the crowds by raising his gloves. Is it a sign that this was his last match at Adelaide? Is it a sign that he is retiring after the final ODI on Saturday, October 25, in Sydney? While Kohli gave a subtle hint, there is no official statement from the batter. After a return of seven months, much was expected from the former skipper. However, he is failed to impress, looking like a pale shadow of himself.
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Is rustiness having a say? Or has Kohli's hunger and desire to score faded? One does not know the exact reason for his two successive ducks against an opponent he thrives playing Down Under. With time ticking and only one match to go in the series, experts, fans, and critics will be eager to witness the right-hand batter at his absolute best, as one does not know whether the third ODI against Australia will be the last he is playing.
Virat Kohli's no return with bat a bad sign for Indian Cricket
With retirement rumors refusing to die down, plus Kohli's back-to-back ducks have again surfaced, talks of his effectiveness and match-winning abilities in the ODI format. While there is no doubt about the passion, hunger, and desire the 36-year-old has, it is runs with the bat that will shut the critics. With the project ODI World Cup 2027 talks growing louder, it is runs alone that will help Kohli stay relevant.
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With young players waiting for opportunities to stake a claim in the ODI team, and with no guarantee that Kohli is a sure starter in the playing XI for the 2027 World Cup, he has to show he still has got it the killer instinct to take down the opponents and help India win the games.
