Virat Kohli, who is playing his first ODI since March 2025, was caught playing off-stump against Mitchell Starc. (AP photo) NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has urged Virat Kohli to avoid thinking and second-guessing himself after his duck in the first ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday. Kohli, who is playing his first ODI since March 2025, was caught playing off-stump against Mitchell Starc.Hayden expressed strong confidence in Kohli’s technique and overall approach, citing his wealth of experience in the format.“Virat Kohli’s batting ability and contact points are exceptional. After scoring 14,000 runs in this format, there is not much doubt about his approach as he keeps playing the ball on the rise and finds timely timing,” Hayden told Star Sports.“One thing I hope he avoids is arguing with himself and thinking that can lead to mistakes. He is destructive when he has the clarity, confidence and ability to read the game – qualities that his experience gives him,” he added.
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Australia won the first ODI by seven wickets. The second match is played in Adelaide on Thursday.Meanwhile, Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh defended Kohli’s performance and expressed his admiration for sharing the dressing room with the star batsman.“He has played more than 300 matches for India, so form is just a word for him,” Arshdeep said at the post-match media conference.
Arshdeep Singh press conference after IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Praises captain Gill, backs Virat Kohli
“He knows how to do it. It’s always a blessing to be in the same locker room with him and I feel like he’s going to run a lot for him in this series as well.”When asked about Kohli’s mindset while playing only one format, Arshdeep preferred to remain discreet.“….talking about the format he’s playing, he nailed this one. So I don’t know how he feels about it. I’ll ask him his feelings and maybe tell you at the next press conference.”
