Fans across the globe held their breath as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returned to the ODI arena after a 224-day hiatus. The stage was set for a grand comeback in Perth, but the opening match of the India vs Australia series delivered a plot twist no one saw coming.
Virat Kohli’s Unwanted Australian First
In a stunning turn of events, Virat Kohli was dismissed for a golden duck—his very first ODI duck on Australian soil . The usually prolific batsman, facing just eight balls, walked back to a hushed crowd, marking a unique and unwanted entry in his otherwise glittering record Down Under.
Rohit Sharma’s 500th Match Milestone Marred
The day was supposed to be a celebration for Rohit Sharma, who became the fifth Indian to play 500 international matches . However, his landmark game was overshadowed by a disappointing performance. The Indian captain managed only 8 runs off 14 balls before being sent back to the pavilion . This low score was a stark contrast to his historical success in Australia, where he boasts an impressive average of 58.23 .
A Record-Low Start for India’s Top Order
The dismissals of Kohli and Sharma weren’t just individual setbacks; they contributed to a collective low for India’s top order. The trio of Rohit, Kohli, and Shubman Gill were bundled out for a mere 13 runs, registering their lowest aggregate score in an ODI innings . This collapse left India reeling at 37/3 in just 11.5 overs before rain interrupted play, reducing the match to 35 overs per side .
What This Means for the Series
This shaky start puts immense pressure on the Indian middle order for the remaining matches. With Australia having dominated recent home ODI series against India, the visitors now face an uphill battle to turn the tide . For Kohli, who is eyeing multiple records including surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI century tally, a quick return to form is crucial .
Key Stats from the Perth ODI Opener
| Player | Runs | Balls Faced | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 0 | 8 | First ODI duck in Australia |
| Rohit Sharma | 8 | 14 | 500th international match |
| Shubman Gill | 5 | 8 | Part of record-low top-3 |
Looking Ahead
While the start was undeniably rocky, the series is far from over. Both Kohli and Sharma have proven their resilience time and again. Cricket fans will be hoping this is just a minor blip in their journey, and they come back stronger in the next match in Adelaide.