India are backing Virat Kohli to hit his straps quickly despite the veteran’s first-up flop in Sunday’s seven-wicket ODI loss to Australia in Perth.

Kohli made an eight-ball duck as India posted an underwhelming 9-136 from 26 overs in the rain-affected series opener at Optus Stadium.

Australia cruised to the victory target with 29 balls to spare, with skipper Mitch Marsh (46no off 52 balls) starring on his home deck.

Kohli is officially retired from Test and T20 international cricket, meaning ODIs are now the only time he will turn out for India.

The soon-to-be 37-year-old is aiming to make it to the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, but whether his form will hold up for that long remains to be seen.

Kohli’s appearance in Perth was his first match since guiding Royal Challengers Bengalu

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