India’s Top Order Collapse: A Painful Echo from 2019
It felt all too familiar. On a brisk October evening in Perth, India’s top order crumbled yet again—this time against a fiery Australian pace attack—rekindling memories of the heartbreak in the 2019 World Cup semi-final . Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, the trio entrusted with anchoring the innings, were dismissed for a combined total of just 18 runs, marking their lowest collective score in ODIs since that fateful day at Old Trafford .
What Happened in Perth?
The opening ODI of India’s 2025 tour of Australia began with high hopes. Both Rohit and Kohli were returning to ODI cricket after a brief break, and new captain Shubman Gill was eager to stamp his authority. But Australia’s bowlers—Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood—had other plans.
Exploiting the pace and bounce of the Perth pitch, they dismantled India’s batting lineup within the first 10 overs:
- Rohit Sharma: 4 runs off 9 balls (c Maxwell b Starc)
- Shubman Gill: 10 runs off 16 balls (c Carey b Cummins)
- Virat Kohli: 4 runs off 11 balls (lbw b Hazlewood)
The trio’s combined 18 runs is not just alarming—it’s statistically the worst since the 2019 World Cup semi-final, where they managed just 22 runs against the same Australian trio .
Top Order Collapse: Then vs Now
Let’s compare the two infamous collapses:
| Match | Venue | Rohit | Kohli | Gill/Sharma* | Combined Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 WC Semi-Final | Old Trafford, Manchester | 1 | 1 | 20 (KL Rahul) | 22 |
| 1st ODI vs AUS 2025 | Perth Stadium | 4 | 4 | 10 (Gill) | 18 |
*Note: Shreyas Iyer opened in 2019; Gill now occupies the No. 3 spot.
Why This Collapse Matters More Than Ever
This isn’t just about one bad innings. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, India’s overreliance on its top three remains a glaring vulnerability. When they fail—as they did in Perth—the middle order is left scrambling under scoreboard pressure.
New captain Gill now faces a dual challenge: proving his leadership mettle while also fixing a batting order that’s shown fragility in overseas conditions .
Fan Reactions and Expert Opinions
Cricket fans across India took to social media, calling the collapse “déjà vu” and “a nightmare replay.” Former players weren’t kind either. Commentator Harsha Bhogle noted, “If your top three score under 20, you’re not just losing wickets—you’re surrendering the match before it begins.”
Analysts point to technical issues: Rohit’s tentative footwork, Kohli’s struggle against short-pitched bowling outside off, and Gill’s indecisiveness in the channel. All were ruthlessly exposed by Australia’s precision.
Can India Bounce Back?
The good news? India still has two more ODIs in the series. The middle order—led by KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya—showed resilience in Perth, taking the team to a respectable total despite the early carnage . But long-term solutions are needed.
Coaches must address shot selection, trigger movements, and mental composure under pressure. Because if history repeats itself in the 2027 World Cup, the outcome may be just as painful.