Virat Kohli’s Half-Century in IND vs ENG 3rd ODI – A True Comeback or Temporary Relief?
Cricket fans worldwide erupted with excitement as Virat Kohli scored a crucial half-century in the third ODI against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 12. After a disappointing second ODI, where he managed just five runs off eight balls, Kohli bounced back with a solid 52 off 55 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries and a six.
While fans celebrated the return of “King Kohli”, some critics pointed out that his old struggles outside off stump resurfaced once again, as he fell to Adil Rashid, caught behind by wicketkeeper Phil Salt. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, Kohli’s return to form is a welcome boost for Team India—but is this the beginning of a true resurgence or just a brief glimpse of past glory?
Kohli’s Half-Century – Signs of a True Comeback?
Kohli’s innings was vintage yet cautious. He looked comfortable against pace, found gaps with precision, and shared a crucial 116-run partnership with Shubman Gill, stabilizing India’s innings after Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal for just 1 run.
Virat Kohli’s Knock in Numbers
- Total Runs: 52
- Balls Faced: 55
- Fours: 7
- Sixes: 1
- Strike Rate: 94.54
- Dismissed By: Adil Rashid (caught behind)
This half-century marks a significant return for Kohli after missing the first ODI due to a swollen knee. However, the dismissal pattern remains familiar—outside edge, caught behind, off a leg-spinner.
Is Kohli’s form truly back, or does his struggle against quality spin still persist?
Social Media Reacts – Mixed Opinions from Fans
As soon as Kohli reached his fifty, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their views. While many celebrated his return to form, others pointed out that his outside-edge issues remain unsolved.
Some of the best reactions:
📢 “Virat Kohli and outside edge – a never-ending love story.”
📢 “Finally, the GOAT found rhythm before the Champions Trophy. He looked confident, but Adil got him once again.”
📢 “A-Dil hai Mushkil for Virat Kohli!”
📢 “King Kohli is back! Just in time for the Champions Trophy.”
These contrasting opinions highlight the expectations surrounding Kohli—fans want him to dominate, not just survive. His half-century was vital for India, but was it convincing enough to suggest he is truly back to his peak?
Kohli & Gill’s Partnership – Laying the Foundation for India
Despite Kohli’s dismissal, his partnership with Shubman Gill (116 runs) gave India a strong platform in the third ODI. This stand came at a crucial time after Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal, ensuring that India didn’t collapse under pressure.
IND vs ENG 3rd ODI – Key Match Updates (After 25 Overs)
- India’s Score: 161/2
- Shubman Gill’s Score: 72*
- Shreyas Iyer at the Crease: 15*
- Wickets Taken by England: Adil Rashid (1), Mark Wood (1)
India is already leading the three-match series 2-0, having won the first two ODIs by four wickets each. This dead-rubber match is more about fine-tuning ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, and for Kohli, it was an opportunity to get his rhythm back before the tournament.
What’s Next for Kohli & India?
With the Champions Trophy 2025 starting on February 20, India will face Bangladesh in their opening match in Dubai. Kohli will be expected to anchor the batting lineup alongside Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Virat Kohli’s Recent ODI Form (Last 5 Matches):
| Opponent | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | Dismissal Mode |
| England (3rd ODI) | 52 | 55 | 94.54 | Caught behind (Adil Rashid) |
| England (2nd ODI) | 5 | 8 | 62.5 | LBW (Sam Curran) |
| South Africa (ODI) | 82* | 89 | 92.13 | Not Out |
| Australia (ODI) | 19 | 21 | 90.47 | Bowled (Starc) |
| Sri Lanka (ODI) | 123 | 109 | 112.84 | Caught (Theekshana) |
While his match-winning 123 vs. Sri Lanka and 82 against South Africa* were impressive, his recent inconsistency raises concerns. With just one fifty in his last three innings, Kohli must capitalize on his starts and convert them into big scores during the Champions Trophy.
Is the Real “King Kohli” Back?
Positives:
- Kohli found his touch before a major ICC event.
- His partnership with Shubman Gill showed stability.
- He played spin and pace well for most of his innings.
Concerns:
- Dismissed in a familiar manner (outside edge to a leg-spinner).
- Has struggled to convert fifties into hundreds in recent ODIs.
- Will need to dominate stronger bowling attacks in the Champions Trophy.
With the Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, India needs a peak Virat Kohli—not just an occasional half-century but match-winning, dominant performances.
So, the big question remains—is King Kohli truly back, or is this just a temporary relief before the real test begins?
