Virat Kohli’s much-awaited return to ODI cricket didn’t go as planned. In the first ODI against Australia in Perth, the Indian great was dismissed for a duck after just eight balls, falling to a familiar weakness outside the off-stump.
But the story doesn’t end there – it’s just getting started.
Because now, Kohli is heading to a place where he’s always found his rhythm, his runs, and his roar – the Adelaide Oval.
Kohli’s Australia Love Affair – Built on Fire and Fight
Virat Kohli has always had a special relationship with Australia, both the country and its cricket team. He’s emotional, aggressive, and unapologetically competitive – almost more Australian than the Australians themselves.
In the early years of his career, when many shrunk under the pressure of Aussie sledging and aggression, Kohli stood tall. Whether it was his first-ever Test tour of Australia in 2011-12, or his maiden series as captain in 2014-15, he never backed down. He gave it back, on the field and with the bat.
But now, Kohli is on what is likely his farewell tour of Australia. Having retired from T20Is last year and – in a shock move stepped away from Test cricket earlier this year, ODIs are the only format where he still plays for India. And with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, every innings counts.
A Rough Start in Perth, But the Real Test Begins in Adelaide
The buzz around this ODI series has been huge, especially with both Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning to the side for the first time since March 2025. But both veterans had forgettable outings in Perth – Rohit showed glimpses of form, but Kohli played a loose shot and paid the price.
Now, the second ODI on October 23 at Adelaide Oval gives Kohli the perfect platform for a comeback. It’s a ground that holds a special place in his career – a place where he has repeatedly delivered magic.
Kohli + Adelaide = Fireworks
For Indian fans, there’s real hope as Kohli returns to a venue where he has produced some of his finest performances across formats.
It was here, in 2012, that Kohli announced himself in Test cricket with a brilliant 116, while the rest of the Indian batting line-up struggled. That knock forced critics to sit up and take notice.
Between late 2014 and early 2015, Kohli went on a dream run at this very venue – smashing scores of 115, 141, 107, and 90 not out across formats. Even Australia’s best – Starc, Johnson, Harris had no answers to the ‘Kohli show’.
In ODIs too, Kohli has been lethal at Adelaide. He’s scored two centuries in his last two ODIs here, one of them against Pakistan in the 2015 World Cup, a classic knock that still lives in the memories of fans.
King of Adelaide – By the Numbers
Kohli’s numbers at Adelaide Oval are mind-blowing. Across formats, he has scored:
| Stats | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total Runs | 975 |
| Batting Average | 65.00 |
| Centuries (100s) | 5 |
| Fifties (50s) | 4 |
He’s not just good here – he’s the highest-scoring non-Australian at this venue.
To put that into perspective, Kohli (975) has scored more runs at Adelaide Oval than some of Australia’s finest:
| Player | Runs at Adelaide Oval |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 975 |
| Steve Smith | 932 |
| Greg Chappell | 747 |
| Shane Watson | 729 |
| Adam Gilchrist | 687 |
And here’s the kicker – Kohli has played fewer innings than all of them at this ground.
Why This Innings Matters
Kohli doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. But a big knock at Adelaide will not only remind the world of what he’s capable of – it could also help cement his place in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
With the spotlight firmly back on him, and the stage set at his most successful venue, don’t be surprised if Kohli rises – once again – like a champion.