The first One Day International in Perth was highly anticipated, especially with the return of cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the Indian side after several months away from the format. Both players, having already retired from T20Is and Tests, were making their ODI comeback in what was set to be a significant series opener against Australia at Optus Stadium. For Kohli, this match marked his first ODI appearance since he lifted the Champions Trophy earlier in the year.
Virat Kohli, captured in a memorable photo on the field, seemed in excellent spirits, engaging cheerfully with his teammates, sharing laughs, and cracking jokes before the game. In a moment that captured the essence of his leadership, during the national anthem ceremony, Kohli stepped aside, gesturing for captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer to lead the team and stand at the front of the line.
However, Kohli’s return to the ODI crease ended in a disappointing duck. He was caught by Cooper Connolly off Mitchell Starc, a familiar dismissal for Kohli as Starc became only the second bowler to dismiss him for zero twice in international cricket, joining James Anderson in that unique feat.
Before Kohli’s brief stint, Rohit Sharma’s much-awaited 500th international appearance for India also proved short-lived. He was dismissed for just eight runs, edging a delivery from Josh Hazlewood to second slip, where debutant Matthew Renshaw took a clean catch.
Following this tough start in Perth, the Indian team is now looking to regroup. Their focus shifts to the second ODI against Australia, scheduled for Thursday at the Adelaide Oval, where they hope to bounce back and even the series.