Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck once again in the second ODI against Australia at Adelaide Oval. For the first time in his international career, Kohli has recorded back-to-back ducks. Interestingly, Adelaide has been one of his most successful grounds, where he holds the record for the most runs by a visiting batter across formats — a total of 975 runs. However, after facing just four deliveries, he got out for a duck once again. But what grabbed everyone’s attention was not his dismissal — it was what he did afterward, which has now fueled strong rumours about his possible retirement from Limited Overs Internationals.
As Kohli walked back to the pavilion after getting out at the Adelaide Oval, he raised his right hand, held his gloves together, and bowed his head to acknowledge the crowd — a gesture that many interpreted as a silent farewell to ODI cricket.
When India lost their first wicket at 17, captain Shubman Gill walked back, and King Kohli arrived at the crease to a thunderous welcome from the crowd. However, just like in Perth, he couldn’t score even a single run in Adelaide.
Kohli faced four balls before being trapped LBW by Xavier Bartlett. The ball struck his pad right in front of the stumps. After Bartlett’s appeal, the umpire raised his finger, and Kohli briefly discussed with Rohit Sharma whether to take a review or not — but eventually decided against it.
As he walked back to the dressing room, a sudden silence spread across the stadium. Then, Kohli raised his right hand holding both gloves and waved toward the crowd — a moment that left fans emotional and guessing.
Was this gesture just a thank-you to the Adelaide fans, or was it a sign that Kohli might be playing his final ODI innings here? The internet is now flooded with speculations, with fans interpreting the gesture in their own ways — some believing it’s his farewell, while others call it just an emotional moment from the “King” of Indian cricket.
