Magic Misses Mark: Roko Falters in Return, Kohli’s Record Turns Sour

India vs Australia First ODI: After winning the Champions Trophy 2025, there was a chance to bounce back, but the batting trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill broke the hearts of Indian fans. India got off to a poor start in the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia at Perth. Australian captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and decided to bowl first, which proved to be the icing on the cake. The fast bowlers dismantled the Indian top order. Rain interrupted the match several times, reducing the total number of overs from 49 to 35. Currently, India is struggling at 46/4 in 14.2 overs, with KL Rahul (0*) and Axar Patel (11*) at the crease.

Live Match Updates: From the toss to the rain

Toss and start of the innings: Marsh's decision proved to be absolutely correct. India collapsed to just 27/3 in the powerplay (first 10 overs)—India's lowest score in a powerplay since the 2023 Chennai ODI.

• Rain interruption: The match was stopped many times. Delays were caused by a wet pitch. 
• Current status: India continues to bat. Australia's innings remains.
• Debutants: Mitchell Owen, Matt Shaw, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Indian batsmen's flop show

The top three combined for just 18 runs—this is ROKO's (Rohit-Kohli-Gill) lowest combined score in ODI history (previous record: 25 runs, against Pakistan in 2023). Timing was lost on the bouncy Perth pitch:

• Rohit Sharma: 14 balls, 8 runs (1 four).  
• Virat Kohli: 8 balls, 0 run 
• Shubman Gill (Captain): 18 balls, 10 runs (2 fours).  

VIRAT KOHLI GONE FOR A DUCK!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/cg9GbcMRAE

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 19, 2025

India's lowest powerplay scores since 2023 (ODIs)

• 27/3 vs Australia, Chennai 2023
• 27/3 vs Australia, Perth 2025*
• 35/2 vs England, Lucknow 2023
• 37/3 vs New Zealand, Dubai, 2025
• 39/3 vs Australia, Wankhede, 2023

Australian Bowlers' Dominance: Amazing Statistics

Australia's fast bowlers performed brilliantly on the bouncy Perth pitch. Wickets taken while keeping the economy rate under control:

• Mitchell Starc: 5-1-20-1 (Gill's wicket).
• Josh Hazlewood: 7-2-20-2 (Rohit & Iyer's dismissal).
• Nathan Ellis: 1.2-1-1-1 (Kohli's dismissal, first over maiden!).
• Top-class Fielding: Shaw's slip catch, Connolly's diving catch, and Philip's brilliant take.

Why did the top order collapse? 

• Lack of timing: Rohit and Kohli took the edge off their drive-push. Gill's glance failed. Speeds of 130+ kmph pushed the Indians on the back foot.
• Comeback burden?: First match since the Champions Trophy, but ROKO crumbled. Experts: "Australia lacked fast bowling practice. Now the responsibility is on Iyer and Axar."

Fans are angry on social media: "ROKO failed; the series is in danger! What will happen now?"

Turning point in the series

Nothing has gone wrong in the three-match series yet, but rain has made everything uncertain. The next match is in Sydney on October 23. India needs runs from the middle order, while the bowling (Mohammad Siraj, Arshdeep Singh) will have to stop the chase. If a score of 200+ is made, it will put pressure on Australia.