Virat Kohli bats for 45 minutes, Rohit Sharma spends this much time in nets ahead of 2nd ODI vs AUS

Indian stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma began their preparations for the second ODI of the three-match series against Australia, set to be played at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 23. The duo arrived in Adelaide following India’s defeat to Australia in the series opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday.

India, led by Shubman Gill, suffered a seven-wicket defeat against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, October 19. Rohit and Virat returned to international cricket during the match. However, the two greats struggled, with Rohit scoring eight runs off 14 balls and Kohli being dismissed without scoring.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Gear Up for Second ODI Against Australia

According to RevSportz, Rohit Sharma batted for an hour in the nets, while Virat Kohli spent 45 minutes practicing outdoors as part of India’s preparations for the second ODI against Australia. The duo appeared out of rhythm during their comeback to international cricket.

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Rohit and Virat were seen in full gear during batting practice, focusing on regaining form amid high expectations from fans and cricket experts.

1 Hour batting from Rohit
45 Mints for Virat in the outdoors
Thats it pic.twitter.com/qVxHEKnsLs

— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) October 21, 2025

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Under Pressure to Perform in Adelaide

Rohit Sharma, playing his 500th international match for India, was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood after edging a delivery to second slip, where debutant Matthew Renshaw held a sharp catch.

Virat Kohli was greeted by a roaring crowd but failed to find his usual ODI rhythm. Mitchell Starc exposed his long-standing outside off-stump weakness, and a mistimed drive off the left-arm pacer resulted in an edge caught by Cooper Connolly at backward point, marking his first duck in Australia.

The veterans now face pressure to deliver in the upcoming ODIs at Adelaide and Sydney to prove they still possess the form and temperament for the long haul.

"Play domestic cricket. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starts in November and then the Vijay Hazare Trophy starts in December. That's the best way to be in touch with the game. I remember when MS Dhoni retired from Test cricket, he played a few Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophies. That's a great way to stay in touch,” said Aaron on Star Sports.

Australia Cruise to Seven-Wicket Win as Rain Hampers India in First ODI

Multiple stoppages due to rain made it difficult for the visitors to settle at the crease during the first ODI match. India’s top three batters, Rohit Sharma (8), Virat Kohli (0), and Shubman Gill (10), were dismissed cheaply within 8.1 overs.

KL Rahul scored 38 off 31 balls, while Axar Patel added 31, helping India post a modest total of 136/9. Australia’s bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Owen, and Matthew Kuhnemann claimed two wickets each to maintain pressure.

In response, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh led the chase with an unbeaten 46 off 52 balls. Josh Philippe (37) and Matt Renshaw (21*) chipped in with crucial contributions. Australia secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory in 21.1 overs and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

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