Virat Kohli was heavily criticized online after failing in back-to-back ODIs against Australia. He has been compared to Pakistan’s Saim Ayub, who also scored back-to-back ducks during the 2025 Asia Cup campaign.
Virat Kohli, on his return to international cricket, looked badly out of form and rusty in both of his two innings on the Australian tour. With a duck at Optus Stadium in Perth and a prolific scoring duck in Adelaide, Kohli seemed to have given up and decided to hang up his shoes by the end of the tour.
In gratitude, he waved to the Adelaide crowd, but speculation suggested Kohli was hinting at retirement, and Kohli’s farewell as he stepped onto the field for the last time in international cricket was for all his fans around the world.
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Virat Kohli performs consecutive duck roasts in Australia
Kohli had been tragically criticized on online platforms after he failed to concede a single run since his return to international cricket. Trying to flick Xavier Bartlett, Kohli was found lying right in front of the stumps and was dismissed for a duck again.
After his dismissal, he was forced to draw comparisons with Pakistan’s youngster Saim Ayub, who scored three goals in three consecutive games for Pakistan at the 2025 Asian Cup.
One of the most eccentric and witty trolls on social media saw Iceland Cricket criticizing the legend in their opinion. The post reads, “Virat Kohli seems to be watching Saim Ayub’s coaching videos.”
Virat Kohli seems to be watching Saim Ayub’s coaching videos.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) October 23, 2025
Former Australian doesn’t want Virat Kohli to give up his thirst for runs
Former Australian legend Ricky Ponting, who has been associated with Indian cricket through the IPL, hopes Virat Kohli returns from Australia with a positive mindset and with the best performance possible. Not only is Kohli widely respected, but he has also received a great reception from Australian spectators and Australian players.
Ponting claimed that he sees Kohli’s greed and does not want to rest in his innings so far, especially now that a lot is being talked about about the veteran’s place in India’s squad for the next World Cup.
“I think we need to have some really short-term goals rather than just trying to get to the 2027 World Cup,” Ponting told the ICC review.
Rohit Sharma ‘not going anywhere’, former captain handed World Cup spot after stunning 73 runs in Adelaide
Former Indian player Mohammed Kaif supported Indian captain Rohit Sharma who scored a goal for India. Rohit returned to form and showed his class endures even under the tough batting conditions in Adelaide.
Unfortunately, he was dismissed with 73 runs, and his record of 118 runs, which was tied with Indian mid-order player Shreyas Iyer, stopped. After the innings, Kaif specifically mentioned the Indian captain’s long-term stay in the sidelines.
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