3 Centuries, 4 fifties: Virat Kohli’s ODI record in Australia

The upcoming India tour of Australia in October and November 2025 promises high-octane cricket action as the Indian cricket team clashes with Australia across three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The tour kicks off at the Perth Stadium on October 19, followed by matches in Adelaide and Sydney, with the white-ball series garnering immense attention as key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return exclusively for the ODI format. This series is seen as crucial for players to reaffirm their value and form ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, featuring new leadership under Shubman Gill in white-ball cricket for India.​

Virat Kohli’s ODI record on Australian pitches

Kohli has an impressive ODI record on Australian soil spanning from 2012 to 2020. In 29 innings played in Australia, Kohli has amassed 802 runs with a remarkable average of 47.17 and a striking strike rate of 89.06. His highest score in Australia is an unbeaten 133, and the batter has hit three centuries and four half-centuries on these pitches. Kohli’s ability to adapt his game to different conditions was evident with 108 boundaries and 12 sixes, showcasing his skill in pacing innings and dominating Australian bowlers despite the challenging conditions.​

His consistency in Australia is further highlighted by his capacity to convert starts into big scores, maintaining an average above 50 on typically fast and bouncy Australian wickets. Known for his tactical acumen and running between the wickets, Kohli’s performance in Australia stands as a key factor in India’s batting strength historically during ODI tours Down Under. His record underscores confidence and resilience, traits he will rely on as he aims to make a significant impact in the 2025 series.​

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Kohli’s white ball form and comeback amid retirement rumours

Coming into the 2025 Australia tour, Kohli’s form in white-ball cricket has been closely monitored, especially amid widespread retirement rumours. After retiring from Test cricket and stepping away from T20 internationals in late 2024, Kohli refocused exclusively on ODIs. Recent reports and official confirmations from BCCI have quashed any retirement talks ahead of the Australia series. Kohli, alongside Rohit, has been part of India’s white-ball squad and is keen to continue contributing significantly.​

While there was speculation triggered by Kohli’s decision not to renew certain commercial contracts linked to the IPL Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise, he has affirmed his commitment to international cricket. His impressive performances in recent white-ball matches, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, reflect readiness to regain peak form. His tactical maturity and hunger for success continue to energize the team, making him a pivotal figure in India’s quest to assert dominance in Australian conditions.​

In summary, as the India tour of Australia 2025 approaches, Kohli’s rich ODI record on Australian pitches combined with a focused white-ball comeback position him as a central player to watch. His experience and proven ability to perform in challenging conditions will be critical to India’s ambitions in the series and beyond.

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