Kohli’s Stunning Catch Sets Record—But Batting Woes Continue

Kohli’s stunning catch in the third ODI against Australia wasn’t just a highlight-reel moment—it etched his name into the history books. On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Virat Kohli took his 77th catch against Australia, becoming the most prolific non-wicketkeeper fielder against a single opponent in men’s ODI cricket .

Table of Contents

• The Catch That Made History
• Kohli’s Fielding Milestone Explained
• The Batting Slump No One Saw Coming
• What’s Next for Kohli in the Series?
• Sources

The Catch That Made History

During India’s crucial third ODI clash with Australia at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Kohli—stationed at deep mid-wicket—leapt with perfect timing to pouch a soaring drive off Glenn Maxwell. The crowd erupted as the replay confirmed it: clean, athletic, and decisive.

This wasn’t just another catch. It was milestone number 77 against Australia—surpassing former Indian captain Rahul Dravid’s previous record of 76 catches against a single nation .

Kohli’s Fielding Milestone: Why It Matters

While Kohli is celebrated for his run-scoring, his fielding often flies under the radar. Yet, his consistency in the circle and agility in the deep have made him one of the most reliable fielders of his generation.

Here’s how Kohli’s record stacks up:

Player	Catches vs Single Opponent	Opponent
Virat Kohli	77	Australia
Rahul Dravid	76	Sri Lanka
Mahela Jayawardene	71	India

The Batting Slump No One Saw Coming

Ironically, while Kohli shines in the field, his bat has gone silent. He registered back-to-back ducks in the first two ODIs of the series—his first consecutive golden ducks in ODIs since 2012 . Fans and analysts alike are puzzled: is it a technical glitch, mental pressure, or just a rough patch?

Former India coach Ravi Shastri noted, “Virat’s intensity never drops. Even when he’s not scoring, he’s contributing—like that catch today. But he’ll want runs, no doubt.”

What’s Next for Kohli in the Series?

With the series tied 1-1, the third ODI is a decider. All eyes are on Kohli—not just for another athletic stop—but for a return to form with the bat. At 37, questions about longevity linger, but his fielding milestone proves his fitness and focus remain elite.

As one fan tweeted: “Even when he’s not scoring, he’s winning hearts with the gloves off.”

Sources

• Times of India: Kohli’s Record Catch
• ESPNcricinfo: ODI Fielding Records