In the wake of India's first ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday, legendary Australian batter Matthew Hayden has offered some candid advice to Indian superstar Virat Kohli, urging him to "avoid overthinking" following a rare failure with the bat.
Kohli, making his return to the ODI format after a seven-month break — his last appearance in the format being in March 2025 at the Champions Trophy — was dismissed for a duck by Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc. The dismissal came in a familiar fashion, with Kohli chasing a delivery outside the off-stump, a vulnerability that has troubled him in the past as well.
"Virat Kohli's striking ability and contact points are exceptional. After scoring 14,000 runs in this format, there's little to question about his approach, as he consistently plays the ball on the rise and finds timing early," Hayden said on Star Sports.
"One thing I hope he avoids is arguing with himself and overthinking, which can lead to mistakes. He is destructive when he has clarity, certainty, and the ability to read the game—qualities his experience provides," he added.
Virat Kohli, who has retired from Test and T20Is, maintained a perfect run before the Perth disappointment, notching up 274 runs in six matches. India, meanwhile, will look to level the series 1-1 as they gear up to take on Australia in the second ODI in Adelaide on October 23. In the first ODI, India suffered a seven-wicket defeat (DLS).