Virat Kohli's cold stare silences Australian fans during practice ahead of ODI series opener

Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to international cricket was marked by a memorable moment off the field and a disappointing performance on it during the first ODI against Australia at Optus Stadium, Perth. During a practice session before the match, Kohli engaged with fans, signing autographs and posing for photos, when a group of Australian supporters reportedly laughed and made comments. Without saying a word, Kohli responded with a sharp, piercing stare that, according to eyewitnesses, immediately silenced the group, showcasing the intensity that has defined his career.

However, Kohli’s on-field return proved brief and frustrating. Batting in India’s innings after being sent in by Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, Kohli was dismissed for a duck after facing just eight balls. Attempting a drive off Mitchell Starc, he mistimed the shot and was caught at cover. Fellow veteran Rohit Sharma also struggled, managing only eight runs off 14 balls before falling to Josh Hazlewood, who induced an edge with a rising delivery that carried to second slip. Newly appointed Indian captain Shubman Gill joined the early exits, caught leg before wicket by Nathan Ellis, leaving India in a precarious position early in the innings.

This match marked Kohli’s first appearance in the Indian jersey since March 9. He had been widely expected to return for the Test series in England, part of the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, but instead announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a 14-year-long red-ball career.

Kohli’s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, expressed full confidence in the batter’s preparation and mindset ahead of his comeback. “Virat doesn’t have to prove anything. He has achieved everything—the way he has played, the way he has won the matches for the country—everyone knows his contribution,” Sharma said. “He is well prepared, and whenever he is well prepared, the results are always good, and I have full faith that he will do well as usual.”

Sharma also praised Rohit Sharma, who returned to the Indian squad alongside Kohli. “I would like to say that both of them are great players, and they have nothing left to prove, because the whole of India knows their contribution to Indian cricket,” he added. “If they have to prove themselves at this stage, then it will be a very funny thing.”

As India prepares for the opening ODI, discussions continue over whether this series could be Kohli’s final appearance in Australia. Although he has confirmed plans to play in the 2027 World Cup, his long-term role in India's limited-overs setup remains a topic of speculation.

(With inputs from TOI)