Former India coach Ravi Shastri has called on star batter Virat Kohli to find form quickly after a challenging start to India’s ongoing ODI series against Australia. Kohli, returning to international cricket after a break since February’s Champions Trophy, has struggled in his comeback, recording consecutive ducks in the first two matches of the three-match series. India currently trails 2-0 after their loss in Adelaide, leaving Kohli and the team under pressure to perform in the final game in Sydney.
Shastri, speaking during Fox Sports commentary on October 23, noted that competition for places in India’s white-ball squad is intense, and no player can assume selection is guaranteed. He highlighted that Kohli’s footwork appeared tentative, which may have contributed to his recent failures. “He’ll have to get some form pretty quickly. The competition for places is such in India in white-ball cricket; no one is going to relax, whether it’s Virat or Rohit or anyone in the team. It’s not going to be easy,” Shastri said.
The former coach acknowledged Kohli’s phenomenal career in one-day cricket and emphasised that back-to-back failures are unusual for a player of his calibre. He said, “His record in one-day cricket is phenomenal, so for him to get two ducks on the trot, he’ll be disappointed.” Shastri’s comments underline the urgency for Kohli to adjust quickly, particularly with the final ODI approaching and future international fixtures in mind.
Amid Kohli’s struggles, speculation about his retirement surfaced online and in media discussions. However, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar firmly dismissed such claims. He stated that Kohli is not the type to give up after two low scores and is likely to aim for a strong finish in the series and beyond. Gavaskar pointed out that Kohli’s gesture of waving to the crowd after his dismissal in Adelaide was merely a mark of appreciation, not a sign of retirement.
“Virat Kohli is not the type of player to give up after two ducks. He will aim to retire on a high, playing in Sydney, followed by the ODI series in South Africa, and then the 2027 World Cup alongside Rohit,” Gavaskar explained. He added that even the Australian fans would have been disappointed not to see a big score from Kohli. Gavaskar clarified that Kohli was simply acknowledging the crowd with his gloves, which is different from the usual way of raising a bat or helmet after a significant score.
The discussion highlighted that while Kohli’s current form is a concern, his commitment to the game remains strong, and he is expected to bounce back. Gavaskar’s remarks also aimed to reassure fans that there is no reason to believe Kohli will step away from international cricket prematurely.
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India and Australia are set to face off in the third and final ODI on October 25, where Kohli will look to rediscover his rhythm and help India avoid a series sweep. Analysts suggest that the final match will be crucial for Kohli, not only for his personal confidence but also for the team’s morale. With Shastri emphasising the high competition in the Indian squad, a strong performance could secure Kohli’s place in future white-ball fixtures and boost his form ahead of upcoming tournaments, including the ODI series in South Africa and the 2027 World Cup.
Cricket experts have pointed out that while Kohli has faced form slumps in the past, he has historically responded with resilient and match-winning performances. His ability to adapt to different conditions and read the game under pressure makes him one of India’s most dependable players. Fans and commentators are now watching closely to see if he can overcome his current struggles in Sydney.
Despite the two consecutive failures, team management remains confident in Kohli’s experience and skill. Shastri stressed that players of Kohli’s calibre are capable of bouncing back strongly, particularly with a supportive team environment and proper mental preparation. Observers note that with the third ODI approaching, Kohli will likely focus on regaining his touch, adjusting his footwork, and finding timing against Australia’s bowlers.
Virat Kohli’s performance in the remaining ODI matches will be critical not just for personal confidence but also for the team’s chances in the series. With Australia leading 2-0, a win in the final game is essential for India to avoid a whitewash. Cricket analysts believe that a return to form for Kohli can also inspire younger players in the squad and stabilize the batting lineup in pressure situations.
Looking beyond this series, Kohli’s preparation and adjustment to international cricket will influence his performance in upcoming tours and tournaments. With strong competition for places in the Indian white-ball team, players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, among others, continue to perform consistently, keeping the pressure on Kohli to reclaim his spot and maintain his status as one of the leading batters in the world.
In conclusion, Ravi Shastri’s comments underline the urgency for Kohli to regain form quickly amid tough competition in Indian cricket. Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar’s remarks reassure fans that the star batter is committed to continuing his international career and aiming for high-impact performances in the Sydney ODI, South Africa series, and ultimately the 2027 World Cup. The final ODI will be a test of Kohli’s resilience, skill, and mental strength as he strives to turn the series around and reaffirm his place as one of India’s premier cricket talents.
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