India, Oct. 21 -- Virat Kohli's return to international cricket was like a firecracker that never went off. The former India captain looked rusty - and expectedly so, having been away from top-flight competition - and had his stay cut short in Perth by Mitchell Starc. Although Kohli didn't get out nicking behind, he slashed at a wide delivery to be caught at point, walking off for an eight-ball duck. In all probability, this is his last tour of Australia. India doesn't have another tour Down Under as per the current FTP, which runs up to the start of 2027 - the year of the World Cup, and Kohli, who has a solid record against the Aussies in Australia, wouldn't want to return empty-handed.

In fact, Ricky Ponting wants Kohli to return from ...