India will play Australia in a three-match ODI series beginning on October 19, 2025, marking the return of modern-day cricketing legend Virat Kohli. This will be the first time Kohli has represented India since winning the 2025 Champions Trophy. His comeback to his favorite format, ODIs, will be the center of attention as fans gear up for the matches in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney.
Kohli vs Australia: A historic rivalry since 2009
Kohli has played 50 ODIs against Australia since making his ODI debut against them in 2009, amassing 2,451 runs at a remarkable average of 54.46 and a strike rate of 93.69. He has the highest score of 123 and has hit 8 hundreds and 15 fifties. Kohli’s reputation as a big-match performer has been solidified by his consistency against one of the best teams in the world.
Kohli in Australia: Five centuries on foreign soil
He has played 29 of his 50 matches against Australia on Australian soil. With five hundreds and six fifties, Kohli has scored 1,327 runs at an average of 51.90 on these challenging, fast-paced wickets. His highest score of 133 not out is considered one of the best ODI innings ever played in Australia.
Career stats: Kohli’s ODI greatness in numbers
Kohli’s ODI career totals are outstanding. Between 2008 and 2025, he played 302 ODIs, amassing 14,181 runs at an average of 57.88 with a strike rate of 93.34. He holds the record for the most ODI centuries in history with 51. His ability to chase, build innings, and support the team makes him India’s most reliable ODI batsman.
Kohli close to overtaking Sangakkara
Kohli is just 54 runs away from surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s record of 14,234 ODI runs. Achieving this would make him second-highest run scorer in ODI history, behind only Sachin Tendulkar, who has 18,426 runs. A testament to his exceptional shot-making ability, Kohli is also nearing 1,500 ODI boundaries, needing just over a dozen more to reach this milestone.
Back in the nets: Kohli prepares with Rohit ahead of Perth ODI
Kohli and fellow veteran Rohit Sharma were seen working hard in training ahead of the first ODI in Perth. The two spent significant time in the nets, adapting to Australian conditions. This series is more than just Kohli’s comeback; it is a crucial part of India’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, with Shubman Gill now leading the ODI team as captain.
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