Indian cricket icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli made their much-awaited return to the nationwide aspect within the first ODI towards Australia at Perth. The duo final featured collectively throughout the ICC Champions Trophy in February, the place India clinched the title. Having taken a break from the sport following their T20I and Take a look at retirements, each gamers had been below the scanner as they stepped again into the 50-over format. Whereas they appeared fitter and sharper bodily, their performances with the bat left a lot to be desired.
Poor begin for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on their ODI return
Rohit started his innings with trademark class, stroking a pleasant cowl drive early on. Nevertheless, the fluency quickly pale as Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood extracted bounce and motion from the vigorous Perth floor. Rohit, making an attempt to push via the road, received an outdoor edge that carried neatly to the slip cordon. His quick keep on the crease highlighted an absence of rhythm — one thing comprehensible after an prolonged layoff from aggressive cricket.
Alternatively, Kohli’s dismissal rekindled an previous concern. Chasing a large supply from Mitchell Starc, the previous captain nicked the ball straight to the purpose fielder. It was a well-known sample — Kohli’s eagerness to drive exterior the off-stump as soon as once more introduced his downfall. Whereas his intent was evident, the execution faltered, because the wicket supplied seam motion all through the innings. Kohli has constructed a profession on timing and precision, however the early dismissal underscored the challenges of returning to type after months away from worldwide motion.
Questions loom over 2027 World Cup ambitions
Each Rohit and Kohli are eyeing a spot in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup marketing campaign, however their current struggles may complicate issues. The selectors and administration are more likely to assess their consistency and influence via this collection. With a brand new era of Indian batters rising, the competitors for center and top-order positions has intensified. A few low scores won’t outline their careers, however continued failures may pressure the selectors to look elsewhere.
Nonetheless, followers and pundits alike consider that the skilled pair wants only one strong innings to rediscover their type. With two video games remaining within the collection, the focus will stay firmly on their skill to adapt and ship towards a formidable Australian bowling assault.
Additionally READ: Rohit Sharma vs Mitchell Starc in ODIs: The last word duel that can outline AUS vs IND 50-over collection
Followers categorical disappointment on Rohit and Kohli’s dismissals
Social media was abuzz after the duo’s failure, with followers trolling each Rohit and Kohli for his or her underwhelming returns. Memes and sarcastic posts flooded X (previously Twitter), with many customers expressing frustration over their dismissals. Some followers urged persistence, citing their lengthy layoff, whereas others questioned their place within the aspect forward of the 2027 World Cup cycle.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
pic.twitter.com/nn2LwGqw8J
— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) October 19, 2025
India’s High 3 dismissed inside the primary 9 overs
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) October 19, 2025
Huge second in Perth as Virat Kohli received out with out troubling the scorers 🤯#ViratKohli #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/8n8K5rhm1R
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 19, 2025
#INDvsAUSGautam Gambhir To Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma 😭 pic.twitter.com/Kgu5pIoOb0
— theboysthing (@theboysthing07) October 19, 2025
Agarkar and Gambhir watching Rohit and Kohli pic.twitter.com/WDKYW1vwDo
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) October 19, 2025
Woke as much as seeKohli – 0(8) Rohit – 8 ( 14 ) #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/OmLGC3X0zu
— Bheem ☝︎ (@Turbodrive15) October 19, 2025
wakened at 8am on a sunday solely to look at rohit 8(14) and kohli 0(8)pic.twitter.com/SZRK5u2hWM
— Arjun* (@mxtaverse) October 19, 2025
Gambhir to Rohit and Kohli in dressing room proper now pic.twitter.com/MbNJBmF2TY
— Ebuka (@iamsportsgeek) October 19, 2025
Rohit Sharma regarded good however was dismissed for 8, whereas Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck 🦆.#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/l90Sw3BHfL
— Shivam dubey 🇮🇳 (@ShivamdubeYspn) October 19, 2025
Rohit and Kohli followers discovering a method to put the blame on GG pic.twitter.com/B1RXvgscmY
— ɥsʎn∀ 🇮🇳 (@IYU5H) October 19, 2025
After ready so lengthy — Rohit-Kohli collectively once more! ☹️#INDvsAUS #AUSvIND #RohitSharma𓃵 #Kohli pic.twitter.com/nm9jviWfFM
— Vivek Mishra (@vivek121001) October 19, 2025
Laga tha ki uthte he Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma ki batting dekhne milegi.. #INDvsAUS #Roko
— Hardik Gohil (@GohilHardy) October 19, 2025
Rohit sharma or Virat Kohli ki aesi khartnak efficiency aayegi ki kisi ka baap bhi unhe group se Drop nhi kar sakta hai.
In the meantime Ro- Ko #INDvAUS #INDvsAUS #AUSvIND #RohitSharma #ViratKohli #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/bBfLB2kaOX
— kuldeep singh (@kuldeep0745) October 19, 2025
We waited for therefore very long time to comeback Rohit and Kohli..
Now, Rohit, kohli, Gill Out…..😭😭#INDvsAUS #Rohit #Kohli pic.twitter.com/SUNaw2YGXD
— Dheeraj sharmaaa (@Dsharmaaa96) October 19, 2025
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