Virat Kohli didn’t have a memorable time in the first ODI between India and Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, October 19. Making a return to international cricket for the first time since the 2025 Champions Trophy final in March, Kohli registered an eight-ball duck, getting out to Mitchell Starc.
The former India captain tried to flirt with a delivery outside off-stump and only managed a thick outside edge, which flew to Cooper Connolly at backward point. The young Australian all-rounder made no mistake in taking the catch as Kohli had to make the long walk back to the dressing room without opening his account.
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden lauded Kohli’s talent and urged him to not be too hard on himself after the failure in Perth. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that when he has clarity about his game, he becomes very destructive.
“Virat Kohli’s striking ability and contact points are exceptional. After scoring 14,000 runs in this format, there’s little to question about his approach, as he consistently plays the ball on the rise and finds timing early,” Hayden said on Star Sports.
“One thing I hope he avoids is arguing with himself and overthinking, which can lead to mistakes. He is destructive when he has clarity, certainty, and the ability to read the game—qualities his experience provides,” he added.
While Kohli faltered in the first ODI, it has to be mentioned that the surface was assisting the fast bowlers in the Australian side with the new ball. The extra bounce on offer made life difficult for most batters. The Men in Blue only managed 136/9 in 26 overs in the rain-curtailed affair.
Australia were chasing a DLS-revised target of 131. The pitch eased out considerably in the second innings and the home side romped home in 21.1 overs with seven wickets to spare. Skipper Mitchell Marsh top-scored with a solid 46* off 52 balls to give Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
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