Back-to-back ducks: Virat Kohli waves goodbye to fans

The former captain Virat Kohli’s much-awaited swansong at Adelaide Oval ended in disappointment on Thursday, October 23, as he was dismissed for 0. Kohli was trapped LBW after failing to cover the line of an inswinging delivery from medium pacer Xavier Bartlett in the second ODI of the three-match series against Australia.

Kohli appeared distraught after being given out by the on-field umpire, walking back after facing just four deliveries in the second ODI at one of his favourite hunting grounds. Australia struck twice in the seventh over, removing captain Shubman Gill and Kohli after a cautious start from India, who were sent in to bat.

The dismissal came after Kohli had bagged his first ODI duck in Australia during the series opener in Perth, where he chased a wide delivery from Mitchell Starc. His off-side struggles resurfaced in Adelaide — though he initially left deliveries outside the off stump, he was undone by one that seamed back into him. Kohli briefly considered a review, but his partner Rohit Sharma advised against it, as the ball appeared to be hitting the stumps.

In a poignant moment, Kohli acknowledged the Adelaide crowd with a wave as he walked back to the pavilion. The fans responded with a standing ovation, aware that it might have been his final outing at the iconic venue. Kohli ends his career at Adelaide Oval with 976 runs — the most by a visiting batter at the ground.

There was disappointment written on the faces of the Indian fans who had turned up in large numbers to watch Virat Kohli weave his magic at one of his favourite hunting grounds. However, they made sure the former captain received his due, giving him a heartfelt ovation as he made the slow walk back to the dressing room.