Good news for Virat Kohli fans as Indian star confirms he will not retire on Australia tour
Virat Kohli failed to deliver on his promise with the bat in the first two matches of the ongoing three-match ODI series between India and Australia.
The former Indian skipper failed to open his account in both matches. He was out for an eight-ball duck in the first ODI in Perth as India suffered a 7-wicket defeat.
Virat Kohli dismissed by Xavier Bartlett
With the series on the line, a lot was expected from Virat Kohli in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval. He has a stunning record with the bat in Adelaide, but he has once again failed to live up to expectations.
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Virat Kohli was dismissed by Xavier Bartlett for a four-ball duck as he recorded two ducks in a row for the first time in his illustrious career. However, his poor performance with the bat was overshadowed by his interesting move after his dismissal.
As he walked back to the pavilion, he greeted the crowd by raising his gloves, fueling speculation that he would retire. Social media is abuzz with retirement talk as fans interpreted Kohli’s gesture as a farewell message.
Also Read: Virat Kohli ordered to get fit quickly to stay in plans for ICC ODI World Cup 2027
Mohammad Kaif speaks out on Virat Kohli’s retirement
Although only time will tell how things pan out, former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has poked fun at the retirement talks. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif said that Virat Kohli will not retire from ODIs anytime soon and also explained the reason behind the batting stalwart’s gesture. Kaif also said that Kohli’s performance in the first two ODIs is not a matter of concern.
“No, Virat Kohli will not announce his retirement. He is unlikely to play in Adelaide again. Tours to Australia don’t come that often and he doesn’t play Test and T20I cricket. He is not part of the T20I squad for the next series. Adelaide is one of his favorite grounds and he has made a name for himself from there.
“Even after he scored 0, people applauded him because Virat Kohli is such a great player. He gave the fans a lot to cheer about and they told him that he would be their role model whether you score or not. Kohli acknowledged that support. He is not going anywhere, nor should he. It doesn’t matter that he scored two ducks. No one can question what Kohli has done for Indian cricket. He will play in the future. ” said Kaif.
Kohli might also look unusual, given he is playing after Test retirement – Mohammad Kaif
Furthermore, Kaif pointed out that the recent changes in the ODI setup could have played a role in Kohli’s poor displays. The former cricketer-turned-commentator said the Indian star should be given enough time to get back to his best form with the bat.
“There is the Sydney match and the ODI series against South Africa at home, followed by one against New Zealand. There have been some changes in the team, Shubman Gill has become captain, Rohit Sharma is not in the role. Kohli might also feel unusual, given that he is playing after retirement from Test. I think we should give time to sort things out and three ODIs are not enough to that.
“Even if he goes out cheaply in Sydney, it doesn’t matter. He will play against South Africa and New Zealand. We should wait for the series against New Zealand because the World Cup is in 2027. We should let him play 8-10 matches and then have a discussion about his future.
“There is a series against South Africa in November and then against New Zealand. So, there is no need to rush. People on social media who are asking him to announce his retirement should wait because things once said cannot be taken back. Take your time before saying anything,” Kaif added.
Well, Kohli will be looking forward to bouncing back when India take on Australia in the third and final ODI of the series on Saturday (October 25). India have already lost the series and will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.
