India vs Australia 3rd ODI: Can Virat Kohli Bounce Back with a Century in the Third ODI?
With the historic India-Australia rivalry in tow, Kohli hasn’t found it easy; two ducks thus far in the first two ODIs. Kohli has generally been a bastion of consistency and dominance across all formats when it comes to batting. Nonetheless, his two failures back-to-back in the recent ones drew some flak from fans and experts alike. Meanwhile, former Indian coach Abhishek Nayar firmly believes that a single knock will get this modern-day legend back on track. The India vs Australia 3rd ODI can be a completely different game for Virat Kohli. This modern-day legend is shaping his return into something bigger than one innings.
At Starexch, where cricket lovers stay connected with the latest updates and insights into matches, everyone agrees on something — people don’t easily write off Virat Kohli.
Kohli’s Family’s Tough Beginning to the Series
The first two ODIs against Australia have not been favorable to Kohli by any means. In the first match of the series, Kohli opened his account unsuccessfully, getting out without scoring after facing eight balls. Kohli also found history repeating at the Adelaide Oval in ODI 2, as he floundered to a four-ball duck, and India would proceed to lose the match by two wickets.
After such rare back-to-back failures, there will obviously be a lot of eyebrows raised and, in all possibilities, might set the stage for another classic comeback from Kohli. His fans know that every time the former captain of India has been pinned down, he has found a way to rise beyond it.
Abhishek Nayar’s Trust in Kohli
Abhishek Nayar speaks highly of Kohli bouncing back; Nayar, who has been around Indian players, including Rohit Sharma, said on Star Sports, “You always say you need the rub of the green. He hasn’t had it yet. That doesn’t mean he can’t. There are two zeroes; all he has to do is add the one on the side. It will take a lot of grit and determination from him, but those are stories. A Virat Kohli doesn’t become a Virat Kohli without overcoming failures.”
Nayar emphasized how Kohli proved time and again that he could battle against odds, reminding everyone of his adversities during the England tour a few years back, which he then conquered, doing wonders with his performances thereafter.
“He has got one more game to conquer his demons, but if there is someone whom I would rely on, that would be Virat,” added Nayar.
The sanctuary of faith that Nayar’s message instills is reflective of the unwavering belief still within the cricketing community in Kohli’s prowess at bouncers.
The Adelaide Delivery that Astonished Everyone
Kohli’s second duck wasn’t one of those round-of-the-mill dismissals that were triggered by a delivery that would have made a great many batters shake in their shoes. According to Nayar, the very seam position of the ball suggested that it was moving away, but it nipped back sharply instead.
“To be honest, regardless of seeing Virat getting out or not, I just feel this was a terrific delivery. I think most batters in the world, who have studied his bowling and understand him, wouldn’t expect that delivery,” Nayar said.
This statement captures the fact that even the best batsmen have to yield to some exceptional bowling sometimes, and very often, it is just good luck—something Kohli has had relatively little of in this series.
Kohli’s numbers at the SCG
The India vs Australia 3rd ODI match will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, world-class by all means. Conventionally, its pitch has been somewhat less welcoming to Kohli in the 50-over format. In seven One-Dayers at the SCG, he has managed only 146 runs at an average of 24.33-a record below modest by Kohli’s standards.
But as history stands witness, when he has been cornered to the wall, it is then that Kohli delivers. The SCG being a batting match, along with Kohli’s thirst to prove himself after two rare failures, can theoretically build a classic Kohli knock.
Keeping the third ODI close to his chest, a quiet sense of expectancy arises among fans that maybe this is the game in which the chase-master regains his throne.
Why Do Fans Still Believe
Kohli’s greatness lies not just in his numbers but in his mentality. Every low phase of his career has been followed by a powerful comeback. From a few forms of antagonism to mere media criticism, he always fought back with bat, and that is the reason the cricketing world still believes in him.
Our match insights at Starexchange reveal that even during his rough patches, Kohli’s intent and body language remain positive. His technique seems unaffected; it is just a matter of time before he opens the floodgates on scoring again.
Conclusion
Not just an ODI, the India vs Australia 3rd ODI match at Sydney is a test of character for Virat Kohli. Abhishek Nayar’s faith in him resonates with millions who believe that when Kohli finds his groove, no one can.
Will Kohli score a hundred and put an end to this dry run in Sydney? The stage is set, the belief is strong, and the entire cricketing fraternity is watching the Indian maestro for glorious salvation once again.
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FAQs
Q1: How many ducks have been scored by Virat Kohli in the current ODI series against Australia?
A: Virat Kohli had back-to-back ducks in the first two ODIs of the series.
Q2: What did Abhishek Nayar say about Kohli’s current form?
A: Nayar said Kohli had the rub of the green but backed him to make a century in the third ODI, saying, “Strong mental abilities and comebacks will see him do it.”
Q3: Where is the third ODI going to be between India and Australia?
A: The third ODI is taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Q4: What does Kohli’s record look like in ODIs at the Sydney Cricket Ground?
A: Out of these seven ODIs at the SCG, Virat Kohli scored 146 runs at an average of 24.33.