India cricket team star Virat Kohli’s retirement from ODIs might come sooner than expected. The former Indian captain registered his second consecutive duck in the IND vs AUS 2nd ODI, marking the first time that it has happened in his 50-over format career that has spanned across 303 matches. After being dismissed for zero at Adelaide – a ground that he has dominated across formats in the past – Kohli dropped a subtle hint that could perhaps signal the end of his international career.
Retirement loading for Virat Kohli?
Kohli managed to survive just 4 deliveries before he was sent packing by Xavier Bartlett in the IND vs AUS 2nd ODI. The was trapped for a plumb LBW and refused to take a review, rightfully so, as ball-tracking showed the delivery going on to hit the middle-stump. As he walked back to the dugout, he raised his gloves in acknowledgement of the crowd at Adelaide, which perhaps tells multiple stories.
It is no secret that the IND vs AUS 2nd ODI was the last time Kohli would be playing in Adelaide. But, the message that Virat sent to the crowd following his dismissal might just have a deeper meaning. Amid uncertainty over his future in ODIs, the batter has registered two back-to-back ducks on his return to international cricket after a gap of 8 months.
It is pertinent to point out that Kohli had retired from T20Is after winning the World Cup in 2024. He then announced his decision to step away from Tests earlier in May 2025 after he had a forgetful Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. While India chief selector Ajit Agarkar has hinted that Virat has been non-committal to being a part of the side in the 2027 World Cup, Kohli’s form only fuels speculation on what holds for the star in the future.
By the looks of Kohli’s gesture after his second consecutive duck, it doesn’t seem that a goodbye from the only format that he is currently active in is far away. Nevertheless, he has another chance to redeem himself as India will take on Australia in the 3rd ODI on Saturday.
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