Virat Kohli endured an unusual rough patch in India’s ongoing ODI series against Australia, recording back-to-back ducks—a first in his 17-year ODI career. In the series opener at Perth, Kohli was dismissed for a duck off eight balls by Mitchell Starc. The second ODI at the Adelaide Oval saw him fall again without scoring, this time to Xavier Bartlett after facing only four deliveries.
Such consecutive failures are exceptionally rare for a player of Kohli’s calibre and prompted concern among fans and analysts alike. Despite these setbacks, Kohli’s record in international cricket remains stellar, and expectations of a rebound in subsequent matches persist.
Expert Opinions on Kohli’s Form
Former Indian cricketers and coaches weighed in on Kohli’s struggle. Irfan Pathan highlighted the psychological challenge of such slumps, noting, “It’s not easy to play when a sword is hanging over you,” emphasizing the pressure elite players face.
Mohammad Kaif advised Kohli to observe the approach of his teammate Shreyas Iyer, suggesting that following Iyer’s technique could help him regain rhythm and confidence. Former India coach Ravi Shastri added a touch of humor to the situation, saying, “Two ducks out of the pond,” acknowledging the rarity of Kohli’s consecutive ducks while maintaining respect for his achievements.
Fan Reactions and Kohli’s Comeback
Kohli’s twin failures sparked a mix of disappointment and empathy among fans. Some expressed frustration, while others lamented seeing a player of Kohli’s stature struggle. One fan remarked, “Watching Virat Kohli walk back for a duck feels like a punch to the heart. The man who once carried India with pride now walks off too soon — cricket can be so cruel.”
However, Kohli showcased resilience in the third ODI at the SCG on October 25. He scored a composed 74 not out, forming a 168-run partnership with Rohit Sharma, who made an unbeaten 121.
This partnership secured a nine-wicket win for India and helped Kohli shake off the pressure. His celebratory fist pump and smile after reaching his first run in that innings underscored his renewed confidence and determination to bounce back.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.