Good news for Virat Kohli fans as India star confirms he won’t retire on Australia tour

Virat Kohli has failed to deliver with the bat in the first two games of the ongoing three-match ODI series between India and Australia.

The former India skipper failed to open his account in both matches. He was out for an eight-ball duck in the first ODI in Perth as India suffered a 7-wicket loss.

Virat Kohli dismissed by Xavier Bartlett

With the series on line, a lot was expected from Virat Kohli in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval. He has a stunning track record with the bat in Adelaide, but he once again failed to live up to expectations.

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Virat Kohli was dismissed by Xavier Bartlett for a four-ball duck as he registered two ducks in a row for the first time in his illustrious career. However, his poor performance with the bat was overshadowed by his interesting gesture after being dismissed.

As he was walking back towards the pavilion, he acknowledged the crowd by raising his gloves, thus fueling speculation about his retirement. The social media is abuzz with retirement talks as the fans interpreted Kohli's gesture as a farewell message.

Also Read: Virat Kohli ordered to regain form quickly to remain in ICC ODI World Cup 2027 plans

Mohammad Kaif opens up on Virat Kohli's retirement

While only time will tell how things unfold, former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has laughed off the retirement talks. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif stated that Virat Kohli won't be retiring from the ODIs soon and also explained the reason behind the batting stalwart's gesture. Kaif also said that Kohli's performance in the first two ODIs is not a matter of concern.

"No, Virat Kohli won’t announce retirement. He is unlikely to play in Adelaide again. Australia tour doesn’t come that often and he doesn’t play Test and T20I cricket. He is not part of the T20I squad for the subsequent series. Adelaide is one of his favourite grounds and he made a name for himself from there.

"Even after scoring 0, people clapped for him because Virat Kohli is a player of such a stature. He has given fans a lot to cheer about and they told him he is going to be their role model, regardless of whether you score or not. Kohli acknowledged that support. He is going nowhere, nor should he. It’s no big deal that he scored two ducks. No one can raise questions on Kohli has done for Indian cricket. He will play moving forward," said Kaif.

Kohli might also feel unusual, given he is playing after Test retirement - Mohammad Kaif

Speaking further, Kaif pointed out the recent changes in the ODI setup could have played a role in Kohli's poor displays. The former cricketer-turned-commentator stated that the India star should be given ample time to regain his best form with the bat.

"There is the Sydney game and the ODI series against South Africa at home, followed by one against New Zealand. There have been some changes in the team, Shubman Gill has become the captain, Rohit Sharma is not in the role. Kohli might also feel unusual, given he is playing after Test retirement. I feel we should give time to settle things and three ODIs are not enough for that.

"Even if he gets out cheaply in Sydney, it doesn’t matter. He will play against South Africa and New Zealand. We should wait till the series against New Zealand because the World Cup is in 2027. We should let him play 8-10 matches, then have a discussion on his future.

"There is a series against South Africa in November, followed by New Zealand. So, no need to hurry. People on social media asking him to announce retirement should wait because things once said cannot be taken back. Take your time before speaking anything," added Kaif.

Well, Kohli will be eagerly waiting to bounce back when India take on Australia in the third and final ODI of the series on Saturday (October 25). India have already lost the series and will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.