After India’s disheartening loss to Australia in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide, star batter Virat Kohli wasted no time in getting back to the nets. Despite the crushing 10-wicket defeat, Kohli was seen honing his skills against fast bowlers shortly after the match concluded. While Kohli had dazzled with a century in the first Test, his performance in Adelaide faltered, with scores of just 7 and 11 across the two innings.
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar praised Kohli’s relentless commitment, emphasising that his actions set a powerful example for the rest of the team. Gavaskar noted that Kohli’s decision to return to practice after a poor outing demonstrated his pride in representing India and his desire to improve.
Gavaskar remarked: "By going out in the nets today, he shows his dedication. But that is what I would like to see from everybody else. He's not scored runs. He is very proud of what he achieves and does for India, and because he's not scored runs in this game, he's out in the nets."
Australia's Dominance in the Pink-Ball Test
Australia’s commanding victory in Adelaide marked another milestone in their undefeated streak in day-night Tests, levelling the series 1-1 in under three days. The Test, lasting just 754 balls, became the shortest match ever played between India and Australia.
India began the final day at 128 for 5, with Nitish Kumar Reddy’s aggressive 42 providing a brief reprieve. However, the team was bowled out for 175, leaving Australia a mere 19 runs to chase, which they achieved in just 3.2 overs.
Pat Cummins led the charge with an incisive spell, taking 5 for 57 and dismantling India’s fragile batting lineup. Scott Boland (3/51) and Mitchell Starc (2/60) supported brilliantly, rendering the services of Mitchell Marsh and Nathan Lyon almost unnecessary. Together, the trio bowled with such precision that the all-rounder and specialist spinner contributed only five overs throughout the game.
India’s Batting Collapse
The Indian batting unit's inability to occupy the crease proved costly. After their convincing 295-run win in Perth, the team managed to survive just 81 overs across both innings in Adelaide—less than a single day’s play in Test cricket. This shocking display underscores the need for introspection and adjustments ahead of the remaining matches.
Kohli’s resolve to return to form and the team’s quest to recover will be critical as the series heads into its next chapter. The question remains: can India regroup and reclaim their momentum against a formidable Australian side?