Indian stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma started their preparations for the second ODI of the three-match series against Australia, which will be played at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 23. The pair arrived in Adelaide after India’s defeat to Australia in the series opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday.
On Sunday, October 19, India, under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, suffered a seven-wicket defeat against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. During the match, Rohit and Virat made a comeback to international cricket. However, both greats struggled, with Rohit out for eight off 14 balls and Kohli out without opening the account.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have geared up for the second ODI against Australia.
According to RevSportz, Rohit Sharma batted for an hour in the nets while Virat Kohli spent 45 minutes practicing outside as part of India’s preparations for the second ODI against Australia. The pair looked out of rhythm during their return to international cricket.
Rohit and Virat looked in full spirits during batting practice and were focused on getting their form back amid huge expectations from fans and cricket experts.
1 hour batting from Rohit
45 minutes for Virat outdoors
That’s it pic.twitter.com/qVxHEKnsLs– Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) 21 October 2025
Pressure on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to perform in Adelaide
Rohit Sharma, playing his 500th international match for India, was out after bouncing the ball at second slip off Josh Hazlewood, where debutant Matthew Renshaw took a sharp catch.
Virat Kohli was welcomed by a huge crowd but he failed to find his usual ODI rhythm. Mitchell Starc exposed his long-standing weakness outside the off-stump, and a misdirected drive from the left-arm pacer resulted in Cooper Connolly having an edge caught at backward point, his first duck in Australia.
The pressure is now on the experienced players to perform well in the upcoming ODIs in Adelaide and Sydney to prove that they still have 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. It’s the best way to keep in touch with the game. I remember when MS Dhoni retired from Test cricket, he played some Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophies. It’s a great way to keep in touch,” Aaron said on Star Sports.
Rain troubled India in the first ODI, Australia won by seven wickets.
During the first ODI, it became difficult for the spectators to stay at the crease due to rain stopping the game several times. India’s top three batsmen Rohit Sharma (8), Virat Kohli (0) and Shubman Gill (10) were out cheaply within 8.1 overs.
KL Rahul scored 38 runs in 31 balls, while Axar Patel added 31 runs, helping India post a modest total of 136/9. Australia bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Owen and Matthew Kuhnman took two wickets each to maintain the pressure.
In reply, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh chased down the target with an unbeaten 46 off 52 balls. Josh Philippe (37) and Matt Renshaw (21*) made important contributions. Australia won comfortably by seven wickets in 21.1 overs and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Also read: Mike Hesson’s role exposed in ‘Palestine-related’ conspiracy behind Mohammad Rizwan’s dismissal
