AUS vs IND 2025: Virat Kohli Seeks Redemption in Must-Win Adelaide ODI as Australia Target His Weakness

India’s star batter Virat Kohli will look to bounce back from a rare failure in the second ODI against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday. After falling for a duck in Perth, Kohli returns to one of his favorite overseas venues, where he has scored five international hundreds and averages 65.

India trail 0–1 in the three-match series following a seven-wicket loss in Perth, and the Adelaide game is now a must-win to stay alive. Fans are hoping for a trademark Kohli response at a ground that has often brought out his best.

Australia Plan to Test Kohli Again

Australian pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are once again expected to target Kohli’s well-known weakness outside off stump. In the first ODI, both bowlers used swing and movement to dismiss him cheaply, setting the tone for Australia’s win under captain Mitch Marsh.

Matthew Short, who impressed in Perth, admitted that the plan to attack Kohli outside off stump was no secret. “I’m not part of the fast-bowling discussions, but that does appear to be the way he’s been getting dismissed,” Short said. “Josh and Starc have faced him plenty of times and understand how to bowl to him. In Perth, they let the conditions work in their favour, and I expect they’ll do the same in Adelaide.”

Adelaide Connection and Electric Crowd

Adelaide holds a special place in Kohli’s career, from his 2014 Test century to several ODI classics. The stadium is expected to be packed again, with tickets sold out days before the match. The atmosphere in Perth was electric during the return of Rohit Sharma and Kohli after a seven-month break, and a similar buzz awaits them in Adelaide.

Short added, “When Rohit and Shubman got out in Perth and Kohli walked in, the crowd erupted. As the batter heading back, you’d feel a bit gutted. It shows how much people here love watching him bat.”

As India fight to level the series, all eyes will be on Kohli to silence the Australian quicks and reignite his dominance at his favorite ground.