In a disappointing return to international cricket, Virat Kohli suffered a rare eight-ball duck during India’s first ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday. Fans, eager to see the batting maestro dominate an opposition he has historically excelled against, were left stunned as Australia’s tight fielding and sharp bowling orchestrated his downfall. A flashy drive off a wide delivery from Mitchell Starc, caught spectacularly by a diving Cooper Connolly, ended Kohli’s brief stay at the crease, marking a forgettable start to India’s tour.

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan, speaking on Cricbuzz, dissected the tactical brilliance behind Kohli’s dismissal, attributing it to Australia’s disciplined bowling strategy. He noted that modern bowlers increasingly target Kohli with deliveries outside the off-stump, exploiting his tendency to chase wide balls early in his innings. “You keep building that pressure and then throw one really wide outside off for him to be tempted to play that shot,” Zaheer explained, praising the Australians for their precise execution and patience in setting up the dismissal.

Zaheer highlighted Kohli’s strengths, noting his dominance on the on-side and through the covers once settled, but emphasized that bowlers have identified the off-stump line as a critical vulnerability. “A lot of the bowlers now are aiming to be very away from him,” he said, acknowledging that while Kohli often finds ways to score despite such tactics, this dismissal was a testament to Australia’s meticulous planning. The former pacer described the phase as temporary, expressing confidence in Kohli’s ability to adapt.

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The match itself was a setback for India, who posted a modest 136 for 9 in a rain-affected game, before Australia chased a revised target to secure a seven-wicket victory via the DLS method. The loss underscored the challenges India face in Australia, with Kohli’s early dismissal amplifying concerns about the team’s batting form. As the tour progresses, all eyes will be on Kohli to rebound and reclaim his dominance against a formidable Australian side.

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