Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has urged Virat Kohli to stay patient and trust his game after two consecutive ducks against Australia. Pathan emphasized that top players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma need unwavering support and should not be swayed by social media discussions, given their significant contributions to Indian cricket over the years.
Caption: Virat Kohli walks from the field after he was dismissed for a duck during the second ODI between Australia and India in Adelaide. (AP)
This advice comes as Australia has secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing ODI series. In the second match, Adam Zampa was named Player of the Match for his impressive four-wicket haul, which restricted India to 264/9 before Australia successfully chased the target. Kohli’s dismissal in that game was a leg-before decision against Xavier Bartlett, who cleverly followed a series of outswingers with an inswinger, catching Kohli on the pads.
A video highlighting Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking knock versus Virat Kohli’s duck in the India vs Australia 2nd ODI illustrates the contrasting performances of these two key players.
Pathan commented on Kohli’s rare string of two ducks in two matches, acknowledging that this is an unusual sight. He attributed it to potential pressure and rustiness. He strongly urged both Kohli and Rohit Sharma not to let social media discussions affect them, emphasizing that these two have done exceptional work for India and deserve continued support and patience from selectors until they find their rhythm again.
He acknowledged the challenge, especially with talented players like Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings, and remarked that it’s never easy to perform with “a sword hanging over you.” Pathan hoped that this pressure isn’t weighing too heavily on Kohli’s mind. He specifically noted Kohli’s dismissal in the first match to an outside off-stump delivery, and the second to an inswinger where he attempted his favored flick shot, leaving an unusually large gap between bat and pad.
To help Virat bounce back, Pathan suggested he focus on getting singles and rotating the strike, but cautioned against desperation. He encouraged Kohli to reconnect with the joy of batting, believing that this would naturally lead to more time at the crease and, ultimately, more runs. Highlighting ODI as Kohli’s preferred format, Pathan appealed to fans: these two have given Indian cricket so much, it is time to enjoy their cricket. He expressed hope that Virat would regain his form in the next match, just as Rohit showcased his ability to battle through a tough period to find his craft. His core message: “Don’t get desperate for that single, runs will come.”
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma delivered a determined innings, scoring 73 runs off 97 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes, despite facing a challenging situation. Pathan found Rohit’s struggle-filled knock more satisfying than a free-flowing one, noting his preparation for the fight and his improved fitness, evident in a run-out attempt.
Recapping the match, Australia won the toss and chose to field first. India’s innings started cautiously with Rohit and Shubman Gill. However, Xavier Bartlett quickly dismissed both Gill (9) and Kohli (0), leaving India at 17/2. Rohit and Shreyas Iyer (61 off 77 balls) then forged a crucial 118-run partnership to stabilize the innings, with Axar Patel later adding 44 runs from 41 balls at number five. Adam Zampa’s spell of 4/60 put India in a precarious position at 226/8, but a late surge from Harshit Rana (24 off 18 balls) and Arshdeep Singh (13) added 37 runs for the ninth wicket, pushing India to a total of 264/9.
Australia’s chase also began with early difficulties, standing at 54/2. However, Matt Short (74 off 78 balls), Cooper Connolly (61 off 53 balls), and Mitchell Owen (36 off 23 balls) steadily guided their team to victory. Washington Sundar (2/37), Arshdeep (2/41), and Harshit (2/59) picked up wickets for India but couldn’t prevent the loss.
Pathan also commended Josh Hazlewood’s bowling performance, calling his wicketless spell of 0/29 in 10 overs one of the unluckiest he had witnessed.
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