Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar came in support of Virat Kohli after his consecutive ducks in the ongoing ODI series against Australia. The star batter seems to be struggling on his international
return after seven months as he failed to get off the mark in both the matches against Australia in Perth and Adelaide respectively. Now, as India have already lost the series, the third ODI will be crucial for Kohli to get his form back.
After getting out for a four-ball duck in the second ODI, Virat Kohli got a standing ovation from the crowd at the Adelaide Oval and Indian batter also acknowledged it by raising his gloves. This also raised questions among fans regarding Kohli’s future in the ODI format. However, some fans also assumed that this was supposedly the last international game for Kohli in Adelaide. Reacting to this, Sunil Gavaskar said that Kohli will not give up easily and will be aiming for a big comeback.
The ovation was special, but it’s not the end: Sunil Gavaskar on Virat Kohli’s gesture
During his chat with Sports Tak, Sunil Gavaskar hailed Virat Kohli for his international career and said that he will be seen playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup alongside Rohit Sharma. Gavaskar also commented on Kohli;s gesture after a duck in the second ODI and said that this was for the crowd who was giving him a standing ovation.
“What a wonderful ovation he got when he walked out to bat. It was truly heartwarming because the majority of the crowd were Australians. Yes, there were lots of Indians there, but most of the crowd were Australians, recognising what he's done for the game. That ovation was really, really special. No, it's not the end. Look, where he was going - where the players come down from - is where the members' stand is. The members' stand is where former players, administrators, and others sit. I think he was just acknowledging the ovation they were giving him," Gavaskar said.
"Virat Kohli is not the type of player who will give up this easily. Do you really think he will retire after scores of 0 and 0? Absolutely no. He will aim to retire on a high note. There is the Sydney game ahead, followed by the ODI series at home against South Africa, and there are a lot of ODIs left. I would say the 2027 World Cup will be for Kohli, alongside Rohit. Even the Australians would have been disappointed - they didn't get to see a big score from Virat Kohli. I think he was simply acknowledging the crowd with his gloves,” he further added.
