Virat Kohli’s Adelaide Swansong Ends in Silence After Back-to-Back Ducks
Kohli’s Adelaide Farewell: A Duck, A Wave, and a Standing Ovation
In a moment that stunned fans across the globe, Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated final appearance at the iconic Adelaide Oval ended not with a masterclass, but with a second consecutive duck. The former Indian captain, known for his dominance in Australia, was dismissed LBW for 0 in the second ODI of the India vs Australia 2025 series.
This marked Kohli’s first-ever instance of back-to-back ducks in One Day Internationals. The dismissal came just days after he fell for a duck in Perth, chasing a wide delivery from Mitchell Starc. On Thursday, October 23, at Adelaide Oval — a ground where he has scored more runs than any other visiting batter — Kohli was undone by a sharp inswinger from Xavier Bartlett
Adelaide Oval: Kohli’s Fortress Turns Silent
Adelaide has long been a happy hunting ground for Kohli. With 976 runs in 12 matches, he holds the record for the most runs by a visiting batter at the venue. Fans had hoped for one last classic innings from the maestro. Instead, they witnessed a rare failure.
As Kohli walked back after facing just four balls, he paused to wave at the crowd. The Adelaide faithful, aware of the moment’s significance, responded with a heartfelt standing ovation. It was a bittersweet farewell — a silent goodbye from a legend who had once ruled this turf
India’s Top Order Falters Again in 2nd ODI
India’s innings started cautiously after being sent in to bat. However, the seventh over proved disastrous. Shubman Gill fell first, followed by Kohli just four balls later. The scoreboard read 17/2, and the pressure was on.
Rohit Sharma, returning to international cricket after the IPL 2025 season, looked rusty. He struggled against Josh Hazlewood, playing out two maiden overs and surviving a close run-out call. Eventually, he managed 50 off 74 balls, anchoring the innings as wickets fell around him
Kohli’s Form: A Growing Concern for Team India
Kohli’s recent form has sparked intense debate. Since returning from a seven-month break, he has failed to find rhythm. His dismissals in Perth and Adelaide have exposed a vulnerability to deliveries seaming back into him — a weakness bowlers are now exploiting.
This slump comes at a critical time. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2026 on the horizon, India needs its senior players firing. Kohli’s back-to-back ducks have not only dented his confidence but also raised questions about his ODI future
Social Media Reacts: Retirement Rumors Swirl
Kohli’s wave to the Adelaide crowd didn’t go unnoticed. Social media exploded with speculation. Has Kohli played his final ODI in Australia? Is retirement around the corner?
While there’s been no official word, the signs are hard to ignore. Kohli has already stepped away from T20Is and Tests. His ODI form, once rock-solid, now appears shaky. Fans and pundits alike are bracing for a possible announcement
Kohli’s Career at a Glance: A Legacy in Numbers
Despite recent struggles, Kohli’s legacy remains unmatched:
- ODI Runs in Australia: Over 2,000 runs at an average above 50
- Centuries at Adelaide Oval: 5, the most by any visiting player
- International Ducks: 40 (second only to Zaheer Khan for India)
- ODI Career Average: 57.32 (as of October 2025)
These numbers reflect a career built on consistency, hunger, and unmatched skill. Even as he falters, Kohli’s past continues to inspire millions.
Geo-Specific Impact: Kohli’s Popularity in Global Cricket Hubs
Kohli’s influence extends far beyond India. His dismissal sent shockwaves through cricketing circles in:
- Melbourne, Australia – where fans expected a final showdown
- Hyderabad, India – Kohli’s IPL fanbase watched in disbelief
- London, UK – cricket analysts debated his future on live TV
- Dubai, UAE – a major hub for Indian cricket fans
- Toronto, Canada – home to a growing South Asian cricket audience
His global appeal ensures that every innings — or duck — becomes a headline.
🔗 External Sources
- India Today: Kohli’s Adelaide swansong ends in disaster India Today
- Firstpost: Kohli’s gesture sparks retirement rumors Firstpost
- Outlook India: Kohli’s second consecutive duck Outlook India
- ESPNcricinfo: Full Scorecard – 2nd ODI, Adelaide ESPNcricinfo
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