Australia Warns Virat Kohli: It’s not often that you see Virat Kohli walk back for a duck — and when it happens, the cricketing world takes notice. The Indian run-machine, known for his fiery passion and flawless timing, looked visibly frustrated in Perth after being dismissed for zero by Mitchell Starc in the first ODI against Australia. As India now heads to Adelaide for the crucial second ODI, the Aussies have already fired their warning shots — they plan to keep testing Kohli exactly where he’s been struggling lately: outside the off stump.
Australia’s Game Plan: Target Kohli’s Weak Spot
Australian batter Matthew Short didn’t hide what his side plans to do next. Speaking to reporters, he said that pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood “know exactly what they’re doing” when it comes to bowling to Kohli. “In Perth, they just let the conditions do all the work,” Short explained. “There was swing and a bit of nip off the wicket, and I’m sure they’ll do the same again.”
It’s clear that the Aussies have read Kohli’s recent struggles well — a few tentative shots outside off, followed by a faint edge, have been his downfall in several recent innings. And with two of the best new-ball bowlers in the world hunting in tandem, the pressure will be immense when Kohli steps out to bat at the Adelaide Oval.
Kohli’s Special Bond With Adelaide
But here’s the twist — Adelaide has always been kind to Virat Kohli. It’s one of his most successful overseas venues, with five international centuries and an astonishing average of 65 across formats. From his majestic hundreds in Test cricket to match-winning knocks in ODIs, the ground has witnessed some of Kohli’s finest moments in blue.
That’s exactly why fans are hopeful this will be his redemption stage. The visuals of Kohli’s intense net session on Tuesday, where he batted for 45 minutes with sheer determination, show that he’s not taking things lightly. Witnesses said he asked for full-pace throwdowns, talked to himself between deliveries, and refused to give up even after edging a few balls. That’s classic Kohli — fueled by frustration, but focused on comeback.
Rusty Comeback For Rohit & Kohli
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to the Indian ODI squad after more than seven months, having last played international cricket in March 2025. They came back to thunderous cheers from over 42,000 fans in Perth, but neither could make an impact. Rohit fell for 8, and Kohli perished without scoring. The duo’s rusty form was visible, but so was the hunger to bounce back.
Ahead of the Adelaide clash, Rohit was seen fine-tuning his game against hard-length deliveries from Josh Hazlewood — the same delivery type that got him out in the first ODI. He even had long discussions with Shubman Gill about shot selection and balance, indicating that India’s senior pros are taking this must-win game very seriously.
India’s Must-Win Situation
India trails 0–1 in the three-match series, making Thursday’s ODI in Adelaide a do-or-die game. A loss would seal the series for Australia, while a win would keep India alive. For both Rohit and Kohli, this match could also mark their final outing on Australian soil — a sentimental storyline that adds extra weight to the contest.
Australian all-rounder Matthew Short admitted that sharing the field with legends like Kohli is “a surreal experience.” He added, “It’s pretty cool to be playing against such a legend. I’ll definitely try to have a chat with him during the series.”
Australian Camp News: Dwarshuis Ruled Out
In the Australian camp, left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has been ruled out of the remaining ODIs due to a calf injury. He’s expected to return for the T20Is starting October 29 in Canberra. Despite his absence, the Aussies look confident with their pace trio of Starc, Hazlewood, and Marsh firing in sync.
Australia Warns Virat Kohli: All Eyes On Adelaide
The build-up to the second ODI has been intense. Rain played spoilsport during India’s training on Tuesday, forcing the team indoors briefly before the skies cleared. Head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen actively engaging with players, especially discussing technical details with the batters. The focus — stay calm, play late, and trust your instincts.
For Kohli, this match isn’t just about runs; it’s about pride. Every time he’s been written off, he’s bounced back stronger. Adelaide might just witness another classic — a fiery Kohli counterattack against Australia’s best.
Cricket fans across the world will be watching closely — waiting to see if the King can roar again.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All quotes and match details are based on publicly available reports. The opinions expressed here are those of the author and not intended to harm or misrepresent any player or team.