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Adelaide's Emotional Farewell: Virat Kohli's Final Australian ODI Tour?

Adelaide Oval rolled out the red carpet for Virat Kohli ahead of the second ODI against Australia. The South Australian Cricket Association shared an emotional tribute calling him "one of cricket's true icons." This series could mark Kohli's final ODI appearance in Australia since India won't return until the 2027 World Cup. He's just 19 runs away from breaking MS Dhoni's record as the highest Indian run-scorer at Adelaide Oval.

Key Points: Virat Kohli Adelaide Return May Be Final Australia ODI Series

  • Kohli returns to Adelaide where he scored his first Test century in 2011-12
  • Needs 19 runs to surpass Dhoni's ODI record at Adelaide Oval
  • Holds impressive 975 runs in 12 international matches at the venue
  • This series marks India's last ODI tour of Australia before 2027 World Cup
2 min read

Don't be a stranger, mate: Adelaide welcomes 'one of cricket's true icons' Virat Kohli ahead of second ODI

Adelaide Oval welcomes Virat Kohli for potentially his last ODI in Australia as he aims to break MS Dhoni's run record at his favorite hunting ground.

"You'll always be welcome at Adelaide Oval. Don't be a stranger, mate - South Australian Cricket Association"

New Delhi, Oct 22

As Virat Kohli returned to his favourite hunting ground in Adelaide for the second ODI against Australia, the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) greeted the batting stalwart with a heartfelt message on social media.

Kohli, who had retired from T20Is and Test cricket, returned to international cricket in the first ODI against Australia, seven months after the Champions Trophy victory.

For Kohli, Adelaide has been a successful hunting ground over the years. His first Test hundred came at the same venue during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour of 2011-12. He holds an impressive record at the ground, having scored 975 runs in just 12 international matches, the most by an Indian at this venue.

As Kohli stepped onto the field for the practice session, SACA shared a video of him entering the ground with Kohli's previous post-match speech as a background score.

After this series, India won't return to Australia for one-day internationals before the 2027 World Cup, meaning this series is expected to be the last time Kohli plays down under.

"One of cricket’s true icons, Virat Kohli returns to his beloved ground — training here for what may be his final appearance in international colours at Adelaide Oval," SACA shared on X.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to welcome one of the greatest to ever grace the game over many years. Thank you, Virat, for the memories, the magic, and the moments that will live on in the hearts of South Australians and cricket fans around the world.

"You’ll always be welcome at Adelaide Oval. Don’t be a stranger, mate," the post read.

Although the charismatic batter failed to make an impact with the bat, registering his first-ever duck on Australian soil, he will be aiming to uphold his impressive record at Adelaide in the second ODI, scheduled for Thursday.

When Kohli comes out to bat on Thursday, he will have the opportunity to surpass former skipper MS Dhoni's record for the most runs scored by an Indian batter in the 50-over format at Adelaide Oval on October 23.

Dhoni has scored 262 runs in six games he played at Adelaide Oval, and Kohli has 244 runs in four games. He needs 19 runs to become the leading scorer at the venue in 50-over matches.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Hope he breaks Dhoni's record tomorrow! Just 19 runs needed - King Kohli can definitely do it. Adelaide has been his fortress over the years. 🤞
S
Sarah B
Beautiful gesture by SACA! Shows how much Kohli is respected globally. Cricket will miss him when he eventually retires completely. What an era he's given us!
A
Arjun K
That first duck in Australia was unexpected, but true champions bounce back. Adelaide brings out the best in him. Expecting a classic Kohli innings tomorrow! 💪
M
Michael C
While I admire Kohli's achievements, I wish he'd continue playing Tests. His retirement from the longest format left a void in Indian cricket that's hard to fill.
N
Nisha Z
975 runs in just 12 matches at Adelaide! That's pure domination. The numbers speak for themselves - he truly owns that ground. Can't wait for tomorrow's match! 🏏

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