I hope Virat Kohli avoids arguing with himself after his duck in Perth: Matthew Hayden

Former Australian opening batter and commentator Matthew Hayden has backed the Indian talismanic batter Virat Kohli to back his technique and come out well in the second ODI against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 23.

Advertisment

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports, Hayden asserted that Virat Kohli should avoid arguing with himself and stop overthinking about his eight-ball duck in the first ODI in Perth, as it might lead to mistakes in the remaining two ODIs of the series.

"Virat Kohli's striking ability and contact points are exceptional. After scoring 14,000 runs in this format, there's little to question about his approach, as he consistently plays the ball on the rise and finds timing early," Hayden said on Star Sports. 

"One thing I hope he avoids is arguing with himself and overthinking, which can lead to mistakes. He is destructive when he has clarity, certainty, and the ability to read the game—qualities his experience provides," he added.

After retiring from the shortest and longest formats of the game, Kohli has been focusing only on the ODI format for now, with the ICC ODI World Cup scheduled to take place in 2027. In the ongoing calendar year, Kohli has racked up 274 runs in six matches, which includes a century against Pakistan in Dubai and 84 against Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final.

India now heads to Adelaide for the second ODI. For the unversed, Kohli has an exceptional record at the Adelaide Oval, scoring 244 runs in four ODIs at an average of 61, including two centuries. 

Team India succumbed to a seven-wicket defeat at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, October 19, to start the three-match ODI series on a worrying note. Batting first, they could post 136/9 in a rain-curtailed 26-over game. Australia, in response, finished off the game in 21.1 overs.

Advertisment

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!