Australia’s fast-bowling unit isn’t just chasing wickets—they’re executing a surgical plan to neutralize India’s batting backbone: Virat Kohli. After dismissing him for a golden duck in the first ODI at Perth, Pat Cummins’ men are doubling down on the same tactic for the second clash in Adelaide: relentless probing in the channel just wide of off-stump .
And despite Kohli’s stellar record at the Adelaide Oval—where he’s scored centuries across formats—the Aussies believe they’ve finally cracked the code.
Virat Kohli’s Rare ODI Duck Sparks Tactical Shift
Kohli’s dismissal in Perth wasn’t just a blip—it was a blueprint. Caught behind off Josh Hazlewood, he edged a ball angled across him from a hard length, right into the corridor of uncertainty. It’s a delivery Australia has weaponized against top-order batters for years, but rarely with such precision against Kohli.
Now, with Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood both in rhythm, the hosts are set to replicate that pressure in Adelaide. “No room to breathe,” as one Australian insider put it—forcing Kohli into uncomfortable decisions early in his innings .
Why Adelaide Might Not Save Kohli This Time
Historically, the Adelaide Oval has been kind to Kohli. He averages over 60 in ODIs at the venue and smashed a memorable 116 against Australia in 2019. But conditions have changed. The pitch now offers more seam movement under lights, and Australia’s new-ball pairing is sharper than ever.
“It’s not about the venue anymore—it’s about execution,” said former Aussie pacer Brett Lee. “If they keep bowling that line and length, even the greats get tied down.”
Australia’s Anti-Kohli Strategy: By the Numbers
| Metric | Perth ODI (Oct 2025) | Projected in Adelaide |
|---|---|---|
| Balls in off-channel (6th–8th stump) | 14 of 18 deliveries to Kohli | Expected: 16+ in first 20 balls |
| Average speed (new ball) | 142 km/h (Hazlewood), 147 km/h (Starc) | Similar pace, more swing under lights |
| Kohli’s false shots | 3 edges in 18 balls | High risk of repeat |
Kohli’s Response: Adapt or Perish?
Team India’s camp is reportedly working on countermeasures—encouraging Kohli to play later, leave more, or even open with a cover drive to disrupt length. But changing instinct under pressure is easier said than done, especially against a unit that’s studied his every trigger point.
“He’s human,” said coach Rahul Dravid in a recent presser. “But he’s also the best problem-solver we have.”
What’s at Stake Beyond the Series?
This isn’t just about two ODIs. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, Australia’s blueprint could influence how other teams approach Kohli in high-stakes games. If the strategy holds, it may mark a turning point in his ODI legacy—once untouchable, now under calculated siege.
As the cricketing world watches, one question looms: Can Virat Kohli rewrite the script once again—or will Australia’s precision prove too much to handle?