India veteran Virat Kohli should have faith in his technique and not let his forgettable ODI in Perth influence his attitude for the remainder of India’s ODI series against Australia, according to former Australia star Matthew Hayden.
Although Rohit Sharma and Kohli both had difficult ODI comebacks and were removed cheaply in Perth, Hayden thinks Kohli should not let one setback cause him to question the skill and ability that have allowed him to consistently succeed in ODIs over the years, especially on Australian territory.
After seven months, Kohli made his comeback to international cricket; however, his innings ended within eight deliveries, while Rohit was dismissed for 0 and 8, respectively.As India gets ready for the second ODI in Adelaide on October 23, Hayden emphasised in an interview with Star Sports following Australia’s seven-wicket victory in Perth that Kohli must support his technique.
“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.
“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.
Kohli has only concentrated on ODIs since retiring from T20Is and Tests, despite the fact that his opportunities have been restricted due to India’s limited ODI schedule. He had scored 274 runs in six games prior to the Perth setback, including 100 against Pakistan in Dubai and 84 against Australia in March (Champions Trophy semi-final). 52 against England, 22 against Bangladesh, and 11 and 5 were among the other contributions, which showed a combination of reliable starts and significant innings. Going into Perth, Kohli was still India’s most important batting asset.
For the second ODI, India will now go to Adelaide, where Kohli has a history of success. He has amassed 244 runs at an average of 61 in four ODI games there, including two hundreds. With 537 runs in five games at 53.70, including three hundreds, his Test record at Adelaide is as outstanding and highlights his ease and reliability there.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Indian cricket veteran Sunil Gavaskar emphasised that it would not be shocking if Rohit and Kohli were to deliver redemption knocks in the next two One-Day Internationals against Australia.
As India prepares for the ODI in Adelaide, both Rohit and Kohli have an opportunity to get back to their best. India will rely on their experience to stabilize the batting lineup, which appeared unsteady overall in the Perth ODI, since their prior performances at the venue and in 2025 ODIs indicate that they are still capable to make major contributions.