As India gears up to face Australia in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval on Thursday, all eyes will once again be on two icons of Indian cricket — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While Kohli returns to one of his most successful hunting grounds, Rohit walks into a venue that has often been unkind to him. The contrast in their numbers at Adelaide tells the story of two different journeys.
Kohli and Adelaide: A Love Affair
For Virat Kohli, Adelaide Oval has always been a stage where he shines the brightest. The former India captain has scored an astonishing 975 runs in just 12 matches across formats — the most by any Indian at this venue.
From gritty centuries in Test cricket to elegant ODI knocks, Kohli has time and again proven his ability to deliver under pressure here. As India looks to level the series after the Perth defeat, his form at this ground could once again be the key.
Kohli’s familiarity with Adelaide’s bounce, pace, and angles makes him a natural fit to anchor India’s innings. A big knock on Thursday could also help him surpass multiple personal and national milestones.
Rohit Sharma’s Struggles at Adelaide
For Rohit Sharma, however, Adelaide has been anything but kind. Returning to international cricket with an 8-run knock in Perth, the 36-year-old looked out of touch — his timing rusty, his footwork hesitant.
Rohit’s numbers at Adelaide underline the struggle:
- 287 runs in 15 innings across formats at an average of 19.13 — the second-worst for any Indian with 100+ runs at the venue.
- In ODIs alone, he’s managed 131 runs in six matches at an average of 21.83, with a highest of 43.
His most recent outing here — during the 2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy — ended with scores of 3 and 6, dismissed by Scott Boland and Pat Cummins. It was another chapter in a venue that has rarely brought out his best.
Make-or-Break Moment for Rohit
Rohit’s career is at a delicate juncture. After stepping away from Test cricket, he’s working on his fitness and looking to rediscover his touch in white-ball formats. With five ODIs lined up — two in Australia and three at home against South Africa — this could be his final push for a spot in the 2027 World Cup squad.
Adding to the pressure is a new generation of openers — Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, and Prabhsimran Singh — all knocking on the selectors’ doors with strong domestic performances.
A Chance for Redemption
Yet, if there’s one thing Rohit has shown over the years, it’s his ability to bounce back when the pressure is at its peak. Adelaide, with its true bounce and fast outfield, could offer the perfect opportunity for him to rediscover his rhythm.
For Kohli, it’s about continuing his love affair with the ground. For Rohit, it’s about turning the narrative around. And for Indian cricket fans, Thursday promises an emotional rollercoaster at Adelaide.
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