India’s star-studded batting lineup faltered in the first ODI against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth, with senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both failing to deliver when their team needed them most.
Batting first after Australia won the toss and opted to bowl, India found themselves in early trouble under overcast skies and on a pitch offering plenty of bounce and movement. Rohit Sharma’s stay at the crease was brief, managing just 8 runs before falling to Josh Hazlewood’s sharp delivery. Soon after, Virat Kohli followed him back to the pavilion without scoring, nicking one behind off Mitchell Starc.
Their early dismissals left India in deep trouble as the top order crumbled against the Australian pace attack. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer also couldn’t convert their starts, leaving India struggling to find momentum.
Rain interruptions further disrupted the innings, reducing the game to 26 overs per side. KL Rahul and Axar Patel tried to rebuild with a small partnership, but consistent wickets kept India from mounting a strong comeback.
Rain and Aussie Pace Attack Leave India Struggling in Perth ODI
India eventually finished at 136 for 9 in their allotted overs — a disappointing total by any standard. Kohli and Rohit’s rare double failure has once again highlighted India’s over-reliance on their top order, and the team will need a strong response in the remaining matches to stay alive in the series.