[WATCH] AUS vs IND 2025: How Virat Kohli's tactical mastermind helped Harshit Rana pick Travis Head's wicket in Adelaide ODI

Indian veteran Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to international cricket turned into a nightmare as he registered back-to-back ducks in the first two ODIs of the three-match series against Australia. Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma returned to the Indian squad after a seven-month break, but only one of them managed to make an impact.

While Rohit redeemed himself with a 73-run knock in the second ODI, Kohli endured a rare slump, falling for zero in consecutive matches. India, meanwhile, succumbed to defeats in both games, conceding the ODI series to Australia ahead of the final match scheduled for Saturday in Sydney.

Despite his failures with the bat, Kohli still made his presence felt in the field during the second ODI. His sharp game awareness played a crucial role in the dismissal of the dangerous Travis Head, who was looking threatening during Australia’s chase of 265. Head was batting on 28 when pacer Harshit Rana bowled a delivery that led to his downfall, moments after an interesting exchange with Kohli.

A video that went viral on social media showed Kohli putting his arm around Head’s shoulder and sharing a few words with him just before the wicket. Mere seconds later, Head mistimed a shot off Rana’s delivery, sending the ball high into the air, straight into Kohli’s safe hands at mid-off. The dismissal brought India a crucial breakthrough, briefly lifting their spirits.

Umesh patel@umesh_pate26949

Virat Kohli's strategic distraction! Travis Head was out next ball. Master of the mind games. 😉 ​#ViratKohli ​#TravisHead ​#CricketBanter ​#MindGames ​#Cricket ​#INDvAUS ​#Wicket ​#OnFieldFun ​#Goat ​#CricketFever

10:21 AM · Oct 24, 2025

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However, the wicket did not alter the course of the match as Australia successfully chased down the target in 46.2 overs, winning by two wickets. For the hosts, Matthew Short top-scored with 74, while Cooper Connolly remained unbeaten on 61, guiding his side home.

With the series already sealed 2-0 in Australia’s favour, the hosts will look to complete a clean sweep in the final ODI. Following the conclusion of the ODI series, both teams are set to face off in a five-match T20I series, where India will aim to bounce back and regain momentum.