Where did Virat Kohli err against Starc in Perth? Now a comeback is expected in Adelaide

Where Did Virat Kohli Err Against Starc In Perth:  In the first match of the ODI series against Australia, the Indian team lost by 7 wickets under the DLS rule. Former Team India captain Virat Kohli was the focus of all this match, but he disappointed. Kohli faced 8 balls in his comeback match and could not even open his account. Kohli was caught by Cooper Connolly at backward point by Mitchell Starc.

Virat Kohli played for the Indian team for the first time since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Also Read: This India player announces retirement, makes a major decision at the age of 36

Where did Virat Kohli go wrong in the first ODI?

Former Team India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar believes that Starc was thinking one step ahead of Virat Kohli in this match. Starc trapped Kohli with a ball outside off stump. Nair also pointed out this mistake by Kohli, but also expressed confidence that he would work on his technique before the Adelaide ODI, ensuring a strong comeback. Nair said that Starc had changed his bowling strategy this time. Starc usually bowls fuller length and faster deliveries, but this time he kept the ball away from Kohli by hitting the pitch.

VIRAT KOHLI GONE FOR A DUCK!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/cg9GbcMRAE

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 19, 2025

Abhishek Nair told a media house, "Starc seemed a step ahead. He didn't bowl the full and fast deliveries he is known for. He hit the ball on the pitch and let it go away from the batsman. This was a clear plan against Virat. There wasn't as much grass or movement here as in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Variation in pace and angle is crucial."

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"Playing on the back foot will be beneficial"

Abhishek Nair further said, "I am sure Virat Kohli will make some improvements after watching his videos. Perhaps playing on the back foot or playing the ball late towards third man will be better for him." We saw him working on it during the BGT. I'm confident he'll implement it and make a strong comeback. We all expect that from him.

Now a strong performance is expected in Adelaide.

Virat Kohli's weakness against balls outside off-stump was again exposed in the first ODI against Australia. The last time he played the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Australian soil, he was repeatedly dismissed in a similar fashion. Now that uncertainty looms over his ODI career, it's important for Kohli to regain both form and confidence by playing big innings in the remaining matches.

Indian team also lost the first ODI easily

Rohit Sharma also failed to do much with the bat in the Perth ODI. He was caught at second slip off Josh Hazlewood for 8 runs. The second match of the India-Australia ODI series is to be played at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 23. Strong performances are expected from Rohit and Virat Kohli in this match.