Virat Kohli’s swansong at Adelaide ends with a duck again, waves goodbye to fans
It was not expected. Virat Kohli is the former Indian captain and the highest scorer at Adelaide Oval as a visiting batsman. His much-awaited swansong ended in disappointment on Thursday in the ongoing second One Day International (ODI) at Adelaide. He returned to the pavilion, dismissed for another duck after he had bagged his first ODI duck at Perth. Kohli was trapped LBW after failing to cover the line of an in-swinging delivery from medium pacer Xavier Bartlett. Kohli appeared distraught after being given out by the on-field umpire. He walked back after facing just four deliveries in the second ODI at one of his favorite hunting grounds. Australia struck twice in the seventh over, removing captain Shubman Gill and Kohli after a cautious start from India, who were sent in to bat. In a poignant moment, Kohli acknowledged the Adelaide crowd with a wave as he walked back to the pavilion. The fans responded with a standing ovation, aware that it might have been his final outing at the iconic venue. Kohli ends his career at Adelaide Oval with 976 runs — the most by a visiting batter at the ground. However, Rohit Sharma who was also a failure in the team’s first ODI at Perth, looks surviving at Adelaide as he is unbeaten 44 off 68 deliveries so far, having shown patience as he has hit only three boundaries. With Shreyas Iyer accompanying him with 29 off 36 deliveries India are 84 for the loss of two wickets.
Virat’s preparation for Australia and the 2027 ODI World Cup comes from an ‘intense training’ in London’, says former India teammate
Virat Kohli is not sitting idle in London. With the 2027 ODI World Cup already in his sights, he had a rigorous preparation before his upcoming assignment with India—an ODI series in Australia starting Sunday in Perth. To prepare for both the ODI series in Australia and the distant 2027 ODI World Cup, the former Indian captain has been undergoing intense training sessions in London. After the IPL 2025 season ended, Kohli continued these meticulous workouts during his break. Dinesh Karthik, Kohli’s former RCB and India teammate, noted in a social media video that Kohli has been training every week in pursuit of World Cup readiness, despite the tournament being still two years away. Kohli would be 39 when the tournament is played in Africa in late 2027. “In London, he was training during this big layoff that he’s had after a long time in his life,” Karthik said. “And I also know he was practicing cricket easily, two to three sessions a week,” said Karthik. Last year, Kohli started the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour at the same venue with a century before his series tapered off, ending with one of his poorest returns in a contest overseas. While both Kohli and Karthik are set to return to action after months without competitive matches, there is speculation about their roles in the ODI squad. This comes as Shubman Gill steps in as the 50-over captain for the upcoming Australia tour.
Rohit, bumrah attend yo-yo test, kohli uncertain
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who now only play one format for India—ODIs—are anticipated to take part in the three-match series against Australia in October 2025. Their future in international cricket is still up in the air though. According to a recent report, Rohit and Virat may play their final series in Indian colors in October as the present team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, may overlook the duo for the 2027 World Cup. The same report added that the two stalwarts of the game might be asked to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy if they harbour the dream of winning the World Cup in South Africa. Amid all the chatter, Rohit and Virat have started preparing for their next big assignment. India’s ODI captain Rohit is one of seven players who will undergo a pre-fitness test at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. Rohit will be joined by Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammad Siraj, and Shardul Thakur, who will all undergo the Yo-Yo Test. These players will also undergo the Dexa Can to determine their bone density. These tests are a part of the pre-season tests. However, there is no clarity on Virat Kohli, who retired from Tests in May this year. It remains unclear when the former India captain will undergo the fitness Test. This is also the first time Rohit will undergo the fitness Test since announcing his retirement from Tests. A representative of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed to the Indian Express that all players under central contract are required to take a fitness test before to the season. According to the board’s rules, this is mandatory. “All players have to undergo a pre-season fitness Test, it’s mandatory as per the contract. These tests help the COE understand the areas the players have to work on or where they are lacking. As there was a big break (after the England Test series), the players were given sets of exercises to do at home,” the BCCI official stated. Prior to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series against England, both Virat and Rohit quit Test cricket. After India won the 2024 World Cup, the duo also stopped playing Twenty20 Internationals. Adrian le Roux, the current strength and conditioning coach for the Indian team, has already suggested including the rugby-focused Bronco Test in the fitness evaluations. The Indian Express claims that later in the season, the Bronco Test will be included in the regimen. Ahead of the Asia Cup, which starts on September 9, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav have already shown up for the fitness test.
Devang Gandhi believes “Time Doesn’t wait for Anybody casting doubt on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI futures
Former India batter and ex-selector Devang Gandhi believes it will be difficult for senior pros Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to keep youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan out of India’s ODI setup for long. Gandhi pointed out that they have already proven themselves in Test cricket and could excel in the 50-over format if given the opportunity. Gandhi told TOI “How will you make players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharsan, among others, sit out when they have shown how well they can adapt? The bigger transition is from T20s to Tests. Once a player has done well in Test cricket and has the power game, ODIs should come easier to them. It is very important that the selectors and the team management sit together and take a call,”. Gandhi stressed that regular game-time is crucial and urged the selectors to honestly assess whether Virat and Rohit can remain at their peak over the next two years. “If, say, in a year’s time, we come to a situation where one of them is not firing and we need a replacement, the team management may not have enough time to prepare a player for the job. There’s absolutely no doubt about the contribution of Rohit and Virat. But time doesn’t wait for anybody.” The captaincy question is equally important, and the selectors must make a decision. Gill has already proven himself ready to lead in Tests and, given his current form, is arguably India’s best ODI batsman, averaging 59.04 with a strike rate of 99.56. with a strike rate of 99.56. With the rapid evolution of the game, the selectors face a crucial decision regarding the balance between experience and youth. Gandhi noted that if Kohli and Rohit struggle to perform, the team management may not have enough time to prepare a replacement. The captaincy issue also looms large, as Shubman Gill has shown he is capable of leading the team, further complicating the decision-making process. His performances have earned him the team’s respect, making the ODI captaincy a natural fit. “There’s absolutely no doubt about the contribution of Rohit and Virat. But time doesn’t wait for anybody,” Gandhi added. With Rohit and Virat — who retired from T20Is in 2024 and stepped away from Test cricket earlier this year — the speculation about their ODI future has been rife. For now, though, it appears they may give one final push to the format they dominated for over 15 years. If they wish to extend their ODI careers beyond October, both may need to feature in domestic one-day competitions like the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December, as well as the ‘A’ series against Australia and South Africa, in addition to international fixture. t this stage of their careers, however, there remains uncertainty over whether these legends would be willing to endure the grind of domestic one-day cricket in far-flung venues once again.
Dhoni says Kohli is a proper entertainer, a full package
Former India captain MS Dhoni has heaped unexpected praise on Virat Kohli—not for his cricketing prowess, but for his off-field charisma. Speaking at an event, Dhoni spoke about that off the field, Kohli is a proper entertainer, a full package, who can dance and sing revealing a lighter side of the modern-day great that fans rarely get to see. “Virat is a very good singer, a very good dancer, great at mimicry, and very funny,” Dhoni said with a smile. “If he is in the mood, he is very, very entertaining.” The admiration between the two legends has always been mutual, with Kohli frequently crediting Dhoni for mentoring him during his early years in international cricket. Kohli has also revealed that Dhoni was the only person who messaged him after he unexpectedly stepped down as Test captain following the series loss in South Africa. “Let me tell you one thing: when I left the Test captaincy, I got a message from only one person I had played with previously, and that was MS Dhoni,” Kohli had said. “Many people have my number. On TV, they give lots of suggestions and have a lot to say. But none of the people who had my number sent me a message.” Kohli’s immense respect for his ‘first captain’ Dhoni was evident in his words. “That respect for Dhoni, that connection—when it’s genuine, it shows, because there is no insecurity between us. He doesn’t need anything from me, nor do I need anything from him. Neither of us suffers from insecurity. I can only say: if I truly want to say something to someone, I reach out to that person individually, especially if I want to help.” One of the defining moments of their bond came during the 2016 T20 World Cup against Australia, where Kohli played a masterclass innings and credited Dhoni’s presence for guiding him through the tense chase. Time and again, Kohli has spoken about Dhoni’s unwavering support, especially during phases when his form dipped or when he faced criticism. In return, Kohli showed immense loyalty and gratitude, famously saying, “He will always be my captain.” Even after Dhoni’s retirement, Kohli has continued to praise his former captain for shaping Indian cricket and setting high standards. Their relationship, built on trust, respect, and shared experiences, stands as a benchmark of leadership and teamwork, a rare and cherished bond in the world of competitive sports.
Manjrekar asserts India have Moved On From Kohli-Rohit
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has explained that the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test Match hasn’t hurting India badly in the IND vs ENG series. Speaking on JioHotstar, Sanjay Manjrekar has said that Rohit Sharma was averaging a dismal 10 in the last two Test series that he played, while ace batter Virat Kohli was averaging 30 in the last five years and although they weren’t easy to replace, their retirements haven’t been a huge loss to India. It was a loss of two very senior players, but not a loss of contribution, because they weren’t contributing as much,” Manjrekar explained “I think India have given a great account of themselves. They’ve kept the series alive, and it’s certainly interesting to see the mood in the bus on the England bus when it goes down to London compared to the Indian bus on the way down to London. As we see Shubman Gill here in a league of legends, as it said, and certainly has the opportunity to go to the top of that sort of leaderboard there, and I wouldn’t bet against it,” Having conceded a 311-run lead and lost their openers for ducks in the second innings, India displayed resolve to get a favourable result because of the efforts of Gill (103 off 238), KL Rahul (90 off 230), Jadeja (107 not out off 185) and Washington (101 not out off 206). In the absence of Rohit and Kohli, Test skipper Shubman Gill led India’s batting charge twice, first in the Birmingham victory over England, then in the Manchester draw that kept the series alive. Former England batter Jonathan Trott said while speaking on Sony Sports, he admitted that had the scenario been reversed, England wouldn’t have managed to pull off the same. “If you’re taking the Joe Root out of the side or taking two experienced players like India have had to retire recently, it would be a very, very different scenario. I think India have given a great account of themselves,” “They’ve kept the series alive and it’s certainly interesting to see the mood in the bus on the England bus when it goes down to London compared to the Indian bus on the way down to London,” Trott added.
‘We both love playing against each other’; India to miss Virat’s fighting spirit says Ben Stokes
England skipper and all-rounder Ben Stokes recalls Virat Kohli’s exuberance on the field during the match and comments that India will miss his ‘fighting spirit’ ahead of India’s opening Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, which starts on 20th June. A new face will lead the Indian team, Shubman Gill after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirement from Test cricket last month. In a video released by England Cricket, Stokes said on what India will miss after the retirement of Virat Kohli, “I think what India will miss will be his fighting spirit out in the game, his competitiveness, desire to win. He has made number 18 his, hasn’t he? It’ll be a bit weird not seeing number 18 on the back of anyone… of any Indian shirt, but he has been class for them for a long period of time.” Stokes shared that when he texted Virat after the latter announced to put an end to his illustrious red ball career. Stokes said, “I did text him, saying it’s going to be a shame not to play against him because I love playing against Virat. We both love playing against each other because we have that same mindset when we are out in the field that it’s a battle.” Kohli retired as India’s fourth-highest run scorer in Test cricket, having scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85 in 123 matches. He scored 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His annual average never dipped below 55 in the four years between 2016 and 2019. Additionally, his calendar year average at the end of 2016 and 2017 were both above 75.
Ee Sala Cup Namdu! Virat Kohli’s 18-Year Wait Ends as RCB Clinch Maiden IPL Title
After 18 seasons of unwavering commitment, Virat Kohli finally lifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy! Kohli, who has been the face of RCB since the league’s inception, was visibly emotional post-match. “This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, prime, and experience. I’ve tried to win it every season, gave it everything I have. To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling,” he shared . Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their first-ever title with a thrilling six-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad . Reflecting on the significance of the victory, Kohli added, “Well, it’s right up there, if I have to be honest. As I said, I’ve given everything that I had for the last 18 years. I’ve stayed loyal to this team, no matter what.” He further added, “This is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. And as I said, this is the team I’m going to play for till the last day that I play the IPL.” In the final, RCB posted a total of 190 for 9, with Kohli contributing a crucial 43 off 35 balls. PBKS, in response, managed 184 for 7 in their 20 overs, falling just short of the target. RCB’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs to seal the victory . Kohli also paid tribute to his former teammate AB de Villiers, stating, “What AB has done for the franchise is tremendous. I told him, ‘This win is as much yours as it is ours. I want you to celebrate with us.’ He deserves to be on the podium, lifting the cup.” The victory marked the end of a long-standing title drought for RCB and fulfilling the dreams of their loyal supporters.
AB de Villiers retorts to the critics of Kohli after his blistering knock against CSK
His former teammate, South African star AB de Villiers, has taken a bold stand against Virat Kohli’s critics, particularly targeting remarks made by legends Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag. After Kohli’s sparkling 62-run innings against Chennai Super Kings, helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a narrow two-run victory and the top of the IPL points table, De Villiers remarked, “Virat is always there. He is Mr. Safety for RCB. When he is there, you don’t have to fear. Never fear when Virat is near. That is the story. Nothing has ever changed, and what I want to tell all of you media people, I haven’t forgotten. I have the brain of an elephant. To all my journalist friends out there, I love you guys. But remember when you said Virat bats too slow, right? Virat was batting at almost a 200-strike rate last night. Eat that.” In an Instagram post, Gavaskar and Sehwag questioned Kohli’s strike rate. Sehwag had notably criticized Kohli for scoring the joint-slowest century in IPL history, suggesting he should have accelerated after reaching his half-century. Gavaskar, too, had engaged in a well-documented back-and-forth with Kohli over his scoring pace. Kohli’s performance this season has been nothing short of stellar. He has surpassed the 500-run mark in an IPL season for a record eighth time, amassing 505 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 143.47. His tally of seven fifty-plus scores is his third-best in an IPL season, following 11 such scores in 2016 and eight in 2023. This dominance has placed him at the forefront of the Orange Cap race, narrowly leading over Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan.
