The stage is set at the Optus Stadium in Perth as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return to international cricket after an eight-month hiatus. The duo last featured for India in the Champions Trophy 2025, where India clinched the title by defeating New Zealand in the final.
Their return marks a significant moment for Indian cricket, especially amid ongoing speculation about their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. This three-match series against Australia is expected to offer clarity on their long-term plans.
Rohit Sharma, now free from captaincy duties, will look to play with renewed freedom at 38, while Virat Kohli — who retired from Test and T20I cricket earlier this year — will aim to regain rhythm in the 50-over format. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Shubman Gill, who leads the team and will have the responsibility of guiding two of India’s greatest modern-day cricketers.
In a touching moment before the match, debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy received his maiden ODI cap from former skipper Rohit Sharma. The young all-rounder had made his Test debut at the same venue last year, when Virat Kohli presented him his first cap.
At the toss, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to field under overcast conditions. India decided to strengthen their batting depth, leaving out Kuldeep Yadav, with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar handling spin duties, while Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana spearhead the pace attack.
India’s Playing XI: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
Australia’s Playing XI: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (captain), Matthew Short, Josh Philippe (w), Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood.
The series opener promises to be an emotional and high-stakes contest as India’s two legends — Rohit and Virat — reunite on the field, possibly for one of their final ODI series together.
