Comeback Denied: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli dismissed cheaply in IND vs AUS 1st ODI - Watch

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — Rohit and Kohli were dismissed at 8 and a duck respectively (Photo - X)

A wait of over seven months came to a close as the Men in Blue took the field against the Kangaroos to kick off the three-match ODI series in Perth. The IND vs AUS 1st ODI marked the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the Indian blues for the first time since the ICC Champions Trophy victory. Their comeback was the biggest source of hype behind the India vs Australia series. However, when the much-awaited day of 19 October finally dawned, it did not prove to be a 'good morning' for Indian fans. Within half an hour of the start of the series opener, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli walked back to the dugout, leaving the viewers disappointed.

Rohit Sharma falls for just 8, Virat Kohli goes for a duck as IND vs AUS 1st ODI loses its shine for Indian fans

Shubman Gill came out for the toss, marking his debut as India’s ODI captain in the IND vs AUS 1st ODI. The youngster carried his dismal toss luck to Perth as well, with Mitchell Marsh opting to bowl first against the visitors under overcast conditions. The new skipper walked out alongside his former captain, as Indian fans geared up to watch the return of Rohit Sharma after 223 days.

However, the veteran opener could not match the hype surrounding his return with the bat, walking back for just 8 off 14. Josh Hazlewood found the edge of Rohit’s bat in the fourth over of the innings, with Matt Renshaw completing a safe catch. Rohit’s short stay at the crease included a four off Mitchell Starc, which ultimately stood as the only consolation for fans awaiting his return to the Indian side.

Rohit Sharma 8(14) vs Australia Ball-by-ball. #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/MYgDXAsqRK
— U' (@toxifyy18) October 19, 2025

Rohit’s cheap dismissal led to the early arrival of Virat Kohli, also marking his comeback for India after over 220 days in the IND vs AUS 1st ODI. However, Kohli and Rohit, making their returns together, were fated to share similar disappointments. Kohli’s stay at the crease appeared rusty, with the senior batter struggling to get going. His struggle came to an end as Mitchell Starc dismissed him for an eight-ball duck.

Attempting to drive the ball away from his body, Kohli edged Starc’s delivery, only for it to be grabbed by Cooper Connolly at backward point. Kohli, who played his first ODI in Australia back in 2012, suffered his first-ever duck on a tour Down Under. The subpar comeback of Ro-Ko, the defining element of the India vs Australia ODI series, saw India losing two wickets for just 21 in the series opener.