Aussies derail RO-KO: Rohit out on 8, Kohli goes for a duck

The much-anticipated three-match ODI series between India and Australia kicked off today at the Optus Stadium in Perth, marking the return of batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (RO-KO) to the international setup after a seven-month hiatus following the Champions Trophy final. However, the celebrated return quickly turned sour for the Indian side, which was put into bat after Australian captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to field first.

Australia's decision proved immediately fruitful, as their formidable pace attack exploited the traditional pace and bounce of the Perth wicket. India’s innings began with a cautious start, with new ODI captain Shubman Gill opening alongside Rohit Sharma, who was playing his landmark 500th international match for India.

The first major blow came in the fourth over when Josh Hazlewood dismissed Rohit Sharma for a mere 8 runs. Rohit, who had played his last international match back in March 2025, was undone by the extra bounce, edging a delivery to debutant Matt Renshaw in the slips. The crowd's cheers soon turned to stunned silence with the early departure of the former captain.

The situation worsened dramatically just two overs later. The returning Virat Kohli walked out to the crease to a loud reception but failed to open his account, falling for an 8-ball duck. Mitchell Starc found a thick outside edge as Kohli attempted an ambitious drive, which was brilliantly caught by Cooper Connolly at backward point. This marked the first time Kohli has been dismissed for a duck in an ODI in Australia.