It was not the comeback Virat Kohli would have hoped for as he fell for an eight-ball duck in the first ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday. Returning to international cricket after a seven-month break, the Indian batting maestro struggled to find his rhythm against a disciplined Australian attack. Facing Mitchell Starc, Kohli nicked a fuller delivery outside the off-stump, resulting in a straightforward catch at backward point — a familiar mode of dismissal that has often troubled him early in innings.

However, former India batter and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar believes that the setback won’t faze Kohli. Speaking on Star Sports, Nayar said that the veteran batter’s mindset remains unshaken despite the early dismissal.

“Whatever time I have spent with him, Virat knows to play in one way only — with passion and aggression. He will back himself. There will be a lot of talk about his off-stump dismissals, but he’ll go back, visualize, meditate, and come back in his zone,” Abhishek Nayar said confidently.

ALSO READ: Irfan Pathan Suggests Changes To India’s Playing XI: Calls For Kuldeep Yadav’s Return

Abhishek Nayar further added that Kohli would look to revive his “vintage” self — the fearless, free-flowing version that dominated world cricket for over a decade. “He will try to regain that mindset and freedom. The result isn’t in his hands, but the process is. He’s always been known for focusing on preparation and intensity, and he’ll bring that same Virat Kohli energy back onto the field,” he explained.

Discussing the upcoming second ODI, Nayar highlighted how Australian pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are likely to maintain their plan against Kohli — targeting the corridor outside off-stump with back-of-length deliveries and occasional short balls.

“It’s about execution and handling pressure. If Kohli comes in after Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill give India a good start — say 70 in the first 10 overs — the situation changes. But if he comes in early, the challenge intensifies,” Abhishek Nayar noted.

ALSO READ: CSK Targets Washington Sundar As Ravichandran Ashwin Retires Ahead of IPL 2026

While Kohli’s duck sparked conversations, Nayar’s faith in the batting legend remains unwavering. He emphasised that Kohli’s resilience and mental clarity have often turned setbacks into comebacks — and Adelaide, a venue where Kohli has produced many iconic knocks, could very well script his return to form in the second ODI.