Will Adelaide Embrace Virat Kohli, One of Cricket's True Icons?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli has a rich history at Adelaide Oval.
- This series may be his last opportunity to play ODIs in Australia.
- Kohli aims to break MS Dhoni's record in 50-over matches at the venue.
- SACA's welcoming message showcases Kohli's significance in cricket.
- Fans are eager to witness Kohli's performance in the second ODI.
New Delhi, Oct 22 (NationPress) As Virat Kohli makes his return to the iconic Adelaide for the second ODI against Australia, the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) welcomed the cricket legend with a warm message on social media.
Having stepped back from T20Is and Test cricket, Kohli re-emerged onto the international stage during the first ODI against Australia, marking his return seven months after clinching the Champions Trophy.
Adelaide has been a fruitful venue for Kohli throughout his career, where he achieved his first Test century during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in 2011-12. He boasts an impressive tally of 975 runs in just 12 international matches, making him the highest-scoring Indian at this location.
As he arrived for practice, SACA posted a video of Kohli entering the ground, accompanied by his memorable post-match speech.
This series is particularly significant as it may be Kohli's last chance to play ODIs in Australia before the 2027 World Cup, which adds to the anticipation surrounding his performance.
SACA expressed on X, "One of cricket’s true icons, Virat Kohli returns to his beloved ground — training here for what may be his final appearance in international colours at Adelaide Oval. We are deeply honoured to host one of the greatest players in the game’s history. Thank you, Virat, for the countless memories, magic, and moments that will forever resonate with cricket fans globally.
You'll always have a place at Adelaide Oval. Don’t be a stranger, mate," the post stated.
Despite not making a significant impact in his last outing, where he recorded his first duck on Australian soil, Kohli aims to enhance his stellar record in the upcoming second ODI scheduled for Thursday.
When he takes to the crease, he could surpass former captain MS Dhoni's record for the highest runs scored by an Indian in the 50-over format at Adelaide Oval on October 23.
Dhoni accumulated 262 runs in six matches at this venue, while Kohli has 244 runs from four games, needing just 19 runs to become the leading scorer in 50-over matches at this iconic ground.