Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated swansong at Adelaide Oval ended in disappointment on Thursday as the former India captain was dismissed for a duck in the second ODI against Australia.
Kohli, who faced just four deliveries, was trapped LBW by medium pacer Xavier Bartlett after failing to cover the line of an inswinging delivery. The dismissal came after India elected to bat first, and Australia struck twice in the seventh over, removing captain Shubman Gill and Kohli.
The innings marked Kohli’s second consecutive duck in the three-match series, following his dismissal for 0 in the series opener in Perth, where he had been undone by a wide delivery from Mitchell Starc.
His off-side struggles resurfaced in Adelaide though he initially left balls outside the off stump, he was eventually beaten by one that seamed back in.
Kohli briefly considered a review, but batting partner Rohit Sharma advised against it, as the ball appeared to be hitting the stumps.
In a poignant moment, Kohli acknowledged the crowd with a wave as he returned to the pavilion. Fans responded with a standing ovation, aware that it could be his final outing at the iconic venue. Kohli concludes his career at Adelaide Oval with 976 runs the most by a visiting batter at the ground.
Despite disappointment among Indian supporters, they ensured Kohli received a heartfelt ovation as he made the slow walk back to the dressing room.
Kohli had looked sharp in the nets ahead of the match, with the sound of the ball striking his bat in practice raising hopes for a memorable innings.
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He appeared engaged in the dugout as Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma opened for India. However, once at the crease, Kohli was undone by a brief lapse in concentration.
The chatter around Kohli’s international future is expected to intensify as he continues to struggle on his return to competitive cricket. Both Kohli and Rohit marked their comeback in this series after the IPL 2025 season concluded in June.
Lack of match practice was evident in Perth, where Kohli and Rohit failed to find their rhythm, with Rohit dismissed for 8 while Kohli fell for 0.
On Thursday, Rohit again looked rusty against Josh Hazlewood, scoring 19 off 43 deliveries, surviving a close run-out appeal and playing two maiden overs against the seasoned pacer.
Despite the early setbacks, Rohit dug in to provide resistance, but Kohli’s Adelaide Oval farewell ended in frustration, leaving fans reflecting on the highs of a stellar career.
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