Kohli’s Unthinkable Slump: A Historic Low in a Glorious Career
In a moment that left fans and pundits alike speechless, Virat Kohli, the colossus of modern cricket, has suffered a career-first humiliation. On a sun-drenched afternoon in Adelaide, the Indian superstar was dismissed for a golden duck by Australia’s rising quick, Xavier Bartlett, marking his second consecutive duck in the ODI series. This unwanted record has sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity .
The Adelaide Moment: How It Unfolded
The scene was the Adelaide Oval for the 2nd ODI on October 23, 2025. Kohli, walking in at number three, faced a fired-up Xavier Bartlett with the new ball. The Australian pacer, in just his seventh over, delivered a back-of-a-length delivery that nipped back in sharply. Kohli, playing for the angle, was beaten on the inside edge, and the ball crashed into his front pad. The umpire’s finger went up instantly for a plumb LBW, sending Kohli back to the pavilion for a second straight zero .
A Statistic Never Before Seen
This pair of ducks is not just a bad day at the office; it’s a historic anomaly. In his entire ODI career spanning 304 matches, 14,181 runs, and a record 51 centuries, Kohli had never before been dismissed for consecutive zeroes . This is the first time since his international debut in 2008 that he has endured such a sequence .
Putting the Slump in Context
While every great player has a rough patch, this one is particularly jarring given Kohli’s legendary status. His career has seen him amass 551 international innings across all formats, making this sudden loss of form a stark contrast to his usual dominance . His last significant struggle was noted during the 2022 season, but even then, consecutive ducks were avoided .
What This Means for Team India
Kohli’s form is a critical pillar for India’s batting lineup. His early exits in both matches have put immense pressure on the middle order and have been a key factor in the team’s current predicament in the series. The question on everyone’s mind is whether this is a temporary blip or a sign of a deeper issue as the veteran approaches the latter stages of his ODI career.
Virat Kohli’s ODI Career at a Glance
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| ODI Matches | 304 |
| Runs | 14,181 |
| Centuries | 51 (Most in ODIs) |
| Career Strike Rate | 93.27 |
| Total Ducks | 18 |
| Consecutive Ducks | 1 (First instance in 2025) |
The cricket world now watches with bated breath. Will the King of Cricket bounce back with his trademark ferocity, or is this the beginning of a new, more vulnerable chapter? One thing is certain: Virat Kohli’s next innings will be under the most intense scrutiny of his career.