Perth, Oct 19: In the opening match of the three-match ODI series at Perth Stadium, Australia won the toss and elected to field under overcast conditions, putting India in to bat first. The decision backfired initially for Indian fans as the top order crumbled spectacularly, losing three quick wickets for just 37 runs in 11.5 overs before rain interrupted play. The match has been reduced to 49 overs per side due to the delay, with umpires inspecting the outfield as showers relent.

Top-Order Collapse: A Rude Welcome Back for Veterans

The spotlight was firmly on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, returning to ODI cricket after a seven-month hiatus following India's ICC Champions Trophy triumph in March 2025 and their Test retirements. Dubbed the "power pair" pre-match, the duo disappointed, combining for a mere 8 runs.

-Rohit Sharma (8 off 14 balls): The former captain poked at a classic Josh Hazlewood delivery angling away, edging it to debutant Matt Renshaw at second slip. It was a low-key 500th international appearance for the Hitman, evoking memories of India's 1-3 Test series loss Down Under earlier this year.

-Virat Kohli (0 off 2 balls): In his first ODI since the Champions Trophy semi-final win over Australia, Kohli fell for a golden duck, chipping a simple catch to short cover off Mitchell Starc's bowling to debutant Mitch Owen. The dismissal drew widespread groans on social media, with fans lamenting the "King's" rusty start.WEET Cotton T-Shirt and Pyjama Set for Men,Night Wear for Men,Men's Pyjama Set 122

Shubman Gill (10 off 18 balls): As the new ODI skipper, Gill carried massive expectations but managed only a start before holing out off Hazlewood. His struggles against top teams continue—failing to anchor in recent Tests against Australia—leaving supporters questioning his temperament under pressure. India's top three aggregated just 18 runs, the lowest since the 2019 World Cup semi-final vs New Zealand (3 runs).

This powerplay haul of 27/3 marks India's joint-lowest in ODIs since 2023, equalling their Chennai collapse against Australia.Also Read: Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire After Deadly Border Clashes

Current State: Rain-Hit Rebuild:

At the stoppage, Shreyas Iyer (6*) and Axar Patel (7*) were at the crease, cautiously rebuilding after the early blows. Hazlewood (1/16) led Australia's attack, exploiting the seaming conditions. The series opener, part of India's tour ahead of five T20Is, features debuts for India's Nitish Kumar Reddy and Australia's Renshaw and Owen. Adam Zampa sits out for personal reasons (birth of his child).

Rain has twice halted proceedings—first after 8.5 overs, then at 11.5— but covers are off, and play could resume soon. A concerning forecast looms, potentially threatening the full resumption.