Is this the end of an era in Indian cricket? As Virat Kohli walked off in Adelaide, fans around the world held their breath.
Table of Contents
1. Was Adelaide a Goodbye?
2. Kohli’s Unmatched Legacy
3. Retirement Rumours and Milestones
4. India’s Rebuilding Plans After Kohli
5. What Lies Ahead for Indian Cricket
6. External Links
Was Adelaide a Goodbye?
When Virat Kohli walked off the field at Adelaide Oval after scoring a duck in the second ODI against Australia, millions of Indian fans were left puzzled. Was it just a thank-you to the crowd, or a silent farewell to the game he dominated for over a decade?
After removing his gloves and waving toward the stands, speculation spread across social media. For many, this moment felt more emotional than just another dismissal — it looked like a curtain call for one of cricket’s greatest batters.
Kohli’s Unmatched Legacy
Since Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement, Virat Kohli has carried Indian cricket on his shoulders. His passion, fitness, and intensity have inspired a generation. From breaking batting records to leading India to memorable wins overseas, Kohli’s impact has gone far beyond numbers.
With over 50 ODI centuries and thousands of runs across formats, Kohli’s consistency has redefined modern-day batting. Whether chasing mammoth totals or rescuing the team under pressure, he has been India’s most reliable performer for over 15 years.
Retirement Rumours and Missed Milestones
Having already retired from Test and T20I cricket, Kohli’s back-to-back ducks in ODIs have triggered intense talk about his future. If he were to retire now, he would finish just short of becoming the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history — only 53 runs behind Kumar Sangakkara’s 14,234 runs.
More significantly, he would end his career tied with Sachin Tendulkar’s all-format record of 51 centuries, missing the chance to hold that landmark alone.
While nothing is confirmed, fans fear the worst — that the Adelaide ODI could mark the end of Kohli’s illustrious international journey.
VIRAT KOHLI GONE FOR HIS SECOND DUCK OF THE SERIES!#AUSvIND | #PlayoftheDay | @BKTtires pic.twitter.com/jqIdvMeX9T
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 23, 2025
India’s Rebuilding Plans After Kohli
If the retirement rumours come true, India’s biggest challenge will be replacing the No.3 position — a slot that Kohli owned for more than a decade. His ability to anchor innings and chase down targets has no parallel in modern cricket.
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal – The Young Spark
The management could bring Yashasvi Jaiswal into the ODI setup. The left-hander has impressed as an opener in Tests and T20Is. India may consider pairing him with Rohit Sharma at the top, moving Shubman Gill to No.3 — Kohli’s iconic spot. Another possibility is keeping the Rohit-Gill opening combination and giving Jaiswal the No.3 slot to develop his game in the middle order.
2. Tilak Varma – The Calm Chaser
Another strong contender could be Tilak Varma, known for his composure under pressure. His match-winning performance in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan showcased his temperament and maturity. Grooming Varma for the long-term could give India a reliable chaser — something that Kohli mastered like no one else.
What Lies Ahead for Indian Cricket
Replacing a player like Virat Kohli isn’t just about finding runs — it’s about filling the emotional void he leaves behind. His energy, discipline, and never-say-die attitude transformed Indian cricket into a global powerhouse.
With the next ICC Cricket World Cup set for 2027 in South Africa, India’s focus will be on building a strong core. The experience of Rohit Sharma, the talent of Shubman Gill, and the hunger of the next generation could define this new era.
For now, fans will hope that Kohli continues — maybe for one final campaign, one last World Cup — before the legend finally decides to put down his bat.
Because for India, cricket without Virat Kohli still feels unimaginable.
