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Virat Kohli made his return to international cricket with an eight-ball duck as he struggled to get going during India’s seven-wicket defeat to Australia in the first ODI held at the Perth Stadium. Walking out to bat after the early exit of opener Rohit Sharma, Kohli faced a probing spell from Mitchell Starc who tested him with a short delivery and then dangled the carrot by going outside off and beating the outside edge before luring him to play another booming drive as he edged to be caught at backward point. It was the first international match for Kohli since the final of Champions Trophy held in March this year and first competitive fixture since the IPL final in June. The failure will surely force a rethink, but Australia legend Matthew Hayden feels Kohli needs to keep a clear head and avoid complicating his approach. “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 on Star Sports. “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. Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who has worked with Kohli, dissected the 36-year-old’s approach, pointing out how it’s quite different from what he usually does. “The discussion will always be around playing square of the wicket in Australia. With the extra pace, bounce, and lateral movement on offer, you want to let the ball come to you, play it late and behind the body. That’s slightly different from what Virat has traditionally done here. He’s someone who likes to take charge, walk towards the bowlers, and play in straighter areas,” Nayar said on JioHotstar. “Today was a different challenge. Mitchell Starc seemed one step ahead; he didn’t go for the full and fast deliveries we’re used to seeing, but instead, hit the pitch hard and went across the batter,” he added. Nayar observed that Australia bowled to a plan against Kohli, but the former India captain will reflect and give a fitting response. Yes, there were definite plans against Virat. In white-ball cricket, unlike the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where there was more grass and movement, this was about variation in pace and angles. I’m sure Virat will go back, study his videos, and look at adjustments, maybe playing deeper in the crease or later towards third man could be better options. We saw him work on that during the BGT, and I’m confident he’ll reflect, adapt, and come back with better plans to deliver the runs we all expect from him,” Nayar said.
