Virat Kohli Told To Avoid Overthinking In Tough Message After Duck Against Australia
Matthew Hayden told Virat Kohli to avoid overthinking after his first-ODI duck, urging him to stay calm and play with clarity.
Matthew Hayden Tells Virat Kohli To Avoid Overthinking
Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has given a straightforward message to Virat Kohli — avoid overthinking. Hayden advice came after Virat Kohli disappointing performance in the first ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday, where he was dismissed for a duck by Mitchell Starc.
It was Virat Kohli first ODI appearance since March 2025, but the return did not go as planned. He fell chasing a delivery outside the off-stump, a familiar weakness that has troubled him throughout his career.
Speaking on Star Sports, Hayden praised Virat Kohli talent but urged him not to get caught up in self-doubt.
“Virat Kohli striking ability and contact points are exceptional,” Hayden said. “After scoring over 14,000 runs in this format, there’s little to question about his technique.”
“I hope he avoids arguing with himself and overthinking. When Virat Kohli plays with clarity and certainty, he becomes unstoppable,” he added.
Hayden: Virat Kohli Needs Clarity, Not Overanalysis
Hayden said that Virat Kohli best performances have always come when he focuses on timing and reading the game naturally.
“Virat is destructive when he trusts his instincts. Overanalyzing can create hesitation, and that the last thing a player like him needs,” Hayden explained.
The former Australian batter also pointed out that Virat Kohli experience allows him to recover quickly from setbacks, calling him one of the best readers of the game in modern cricket.
Arshdeep Singh Backs Virat Kohli After Duck
Meanwhile, Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh came out in strong support of Virat Kohli, calling it a “blessing” to share the dressing room with the star batter. Despite Kohli eight-ball duck, Arshdeep believes the veteran will bounce back strongly in the remaining matches.
“He has played more than 300 matches for India. For him, form is just a word,” Arshdeep said at the post-match press conference.
“He knows how to get going. It’s always a blessing to share a dressing room with him. I’m sure he’ll score plenty of runs in the next two games.”
Kohli Return To ODIs Under Scrutiny
The first ODI against Australia was Virat Kohli return to the 50-over format after a long gap. Fans had high expectations, but the early dismissal added pressure on him ahead of the second match.
Arshdeep, however, said the team isn’t worried about Virat Kohli form. “He has mastered this format. I’ll ask him how he feels about playing only ODIs now, maybe I’ll tell you in the next press conference,” he said with a smile.
Focus Turns To The Next ODI
India lost the opening ODI by seven wickets, giving Australia a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. Virat Kohli performance in the next two games will be closely watched, as India looks to bounce back.
With Hayden advice and Arshdeep confidence in him, fans will hope Virat Kohli returns to his best — calm, composed, and focused — without the burden of overthinking.
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