Virat Kohli endured an uncharacteristic low on Thursday, registering consecutive ducks for the first time in his illustrious One-Day International (ODI) career as India faced Australia in the second match of the series at the Adelaide Oval.
Kohli, who returned to competitive cricket in this series after a break since the Champions Trophy final in March, was dismissed for nought by Australian pacer Xavier Bartlett. The right-arm quick jagged a delivery back in sharply, sneaking past Kohli’s inside edge to strike him on the front pad. The Indian batter, confident that he was out, chose not to review and walked off immediately, his expression betraying both frustration and disbelief.
The dismissal added an unexpected chapter to Kohli’s otherwise stellar ODI record. For a player renowned for his consistency and composure under pressure, this was a rare sequence of failures. It followed his first-match dismissal in Perth, where he edged a Mitchell Starc delivery while attempting an ambitious drive outside off stump. Cooper Connolly pulled off a spectacular diving catch at backward point to send Kohli packing for zero.
These back-to-back ducks mean Kohli has now accumulated 40 ducks across formats in international cricket, drawing level with Ishant Sharma for the second-most by an Indian player. Former left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan still tops the list with 43.
Kohli’s lean start to the series has raised eyebrows, particularly as his return was expected to bolster India’s top order. However, his recent dismissals underline the challenge of regaining rhythm against a well-prepared Australian pace attack. Bartlett’s movement off the pitch and Starc’s trademark swing have consistently troubled India’s frontline batters through the series so far.
For Kohli, known for his ability to bounce back from adversity, this will likely serve as motivation rather than discouragement. His mental resilience and proven track record of returning stronger after setbacks remain among his greatest assets. Fans and teammates alike will hope that he rediscovers his touch in the final ODI, helping India level the series.
Despite the setback, Kohli’s importance to the Indian lineup is unquestioned. With the team’s focus shifting towards upcoming global tournaments, his form will be closely watched—not just for the runs he scores, but for the assurance and stability he brings to India’s middle order.
