Kohli’s Comeback Turns Sour; India Struggles in Perth ODI

India had an early disappointment in the first game of the three-game ODI series against Australia. In Perth's Optus Stadium, Australia, captained by Mitchell Marsh, won the toss and decided to bowl first, their aggressive bowling packed a punch for the Indian batsmen. Virat Kohli, also called the "run machine," was sent back to the pavilion without scoring a run, under huge expectations from the people. Kohli's Australian average also came down following this duck.

India's opening batsmen were Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill. This was Rohit's 500th international cricket match. Fans were hoping that Rohit Sharma, playing for India after 223 days, would entertain them in this match, but that wasn't to be. India suffered a major setback in the form of Rohit Sharma in the 3.4 overs. Rohit returned to the pavilion after scoring just 8 runs off 14 balls. Virat Kohli then gave himself a catch to Cooper Connolly on the 8th ball.

Virat was returning to ODI cricket after nearly seven months. Fans expected him to bat brilliantly in Perth, but on this bowler-friendly pitch, Virat faced only 8 balls. Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma opened the Indian innings. After India suffered the first blow in the form of former captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli came in at number 3 to support Gill.

Kohli's demeanor suggested he had been waiting for this match for seven months. Fans in the stands chanted "Virat, Virat!" but Kohli was caught by a fast delivery from Stokes. Before the Perth ODI, Virat Kohli averaged 51.03 against Australia in Australia but after being dismissed for 0, his average dropped to 49.14.