Virat Kohli, a name synonymous with Indian cricket, recently demonstrated his enduring class in Adelaide, allaying concerns about his form. However, the veteran cricketer is acutely aware that every innings he now plays carries significant weight, amplified by the pressures of a rapidly evolving cricketing landscape.
Kohli's Adelaide Oval history is filled with milestones. It was here, against Australia in 2011-12, that he scored his maiden Test century, a resilient 116 that announced his arrival as a dependable middle-order batsman. The 2014-15 series saw Kohli, in his first Test as captain, score twin centuries (115 and 141). Despite those scores, India fell short of victory. His record at Adelaide Oval includes 509 runs in four Test matches, averaging 63.62, including three centuries and a half-century. Among visiting batsmen, only Brian Lara, Jack Hobbs, and Viv Richards have scored more Test runs at the venue.
However, recent performances have been under scrutiny. During the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli managed scores of only 11 and 7 in his last visit to Adelaide. In the second ODI of the three-match series against Australia in October 2025, Kohli was dismissed for a four-ball duck, marking his second consecutive duck in the series. This was the first time in his career he has been dismissed for back-to-back zeroes in ODIs.
Kohli's overall Test record against Australia is impressive, with 2,232 runs in 30 matches, averaging 43.76 with 9 centuries. In Australia, he has scored 1,352 runs in 13 matches, averaging 54.08.
India's cricket schedule in 2025 includes several important series and tournaments. Following a drawn Test series against England, India is set to participate in the Asia Cup in September. Later in the year, India will host West Indies and South Africa for Test series. The World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle has already commenced, with India scheduled to play 18 Test matches.
As Kohli continues his cricketing journey, his experience and leadership remain invaluable to the Indian team. His form will be crucial as India aims for success in upcoming series and tournaments, including the World Test Championship.
