Virat Kohli's lean patch continues with back-to-back ducks against Australia

The spotlight was once again on Virat Kohli, but for all the wrong reasons. The Indian batting great’s lean patch stretched further on Thursday as he fell for a second straight duck in the ODI series against Australia in Adelaide — a rare slump for one of modern cricket’s most consistent performers.

Walking in during the seventh over after captain Shubman Gill’s dismissal, Kohli looked determined to rebuild India’s innings. However, his stay was short-lived.

After carefully negotiating the first three deliveries from Xavier Bartlett, Kohli was undone by a sharp inswinger that crashed into his stumps. Without a second thought, he walked back to the pavilion — a sight that left fans stunned and social media abuzz.

This was the first time in Kohli’s ODI career that he recorded back-to-back ducks, raising questions about his rhythm and shot selection.

Kohli made a highly anticipated return to international cricket in the ongoing three-match ODI series against Australia, alongside Rohit Sharma, who retired from Test cricket earlier this year.

Known for his unmatched intensity and hunger for runs, the 35-year-old has endured a few starts and stops over the past year, and his current form will be a talking point as India continues its preparations for upcoming tournaments.

At the toss earlier, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh elected to bowl first against India in the second ODI. India are unchanged, while Australia made two changes, bringing in Alex Carey for Josh Philippe and Xavier Bartlett in place of Nathan Ellis.

In the rain-affected first ODI in Perth, Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s comeback was brief, lasting only 22 balls, as their quiet performances mirrored India’s seven-wicket loss to Australia.

Starc got the better of Kohli when, after a typical prod outside off-stump, Kohli played a drive that edged off the bat. Cooper Connolly took a sharp catch at backward point, ending Kohli’s brief eight-ball innings. It was Kohli’s first duck on Australian soil.