Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to return to the international cricket after seven months as India is set to face Australia in a three-match ODI series beginning Sunday, October 19, at Optus Stadium, Perth. Both players last played in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, and their fans are waiting anxiously for their comeback. Rain Threat Could Impact Ro-Ko's Return Though, the weather could be spoilsport for India's return of star batsmen, with 63% chance of rain in Perth on match day predicted by the forecasts. AccuWeather has predicted showers before the game at 11:30 am local time, and the intermittent rain shall continue during the game. It might result in frequent interruptions, which shall tamper with the enjoyment of the fans as well as the rhythm of the players. Rain may also influence the toss decision. Captains could prefer bowling first to exploit overcast conditions, favoring seamers. Combined with the pace and bounce of the Optus Stadium pitch, batters may find it challenging to settle in and play freely. Optus Stadium Pitch Report The Perth ground has had only three ODIs till date. The side batting second has emerged victorious twice, indicating the success of chasing on good conditions. The ground is expected to favor fast bowlers, with the average first innings score being 183, and the record successful chase being 153. The batters will have to adapt immediately to pace and bounce before going for risky shots. Also Read | Parthiv Patel backs Shubman Gill, advises Rohit and Kohli Training Update: Rohit and Kohli Ready to Fire Brace yourselves…they’re 𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙄𝙣 𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙨 🔥 Rohit Sharma 🤝 Virat Kohli 🎥 Watch on loop as the duo gears up for #AUSvIND 💪 #TeamIndia | @ImRo45 | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/u99yHyFfwJ — BCCI (@BCCI) October 17, 2025 Before the series, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been hard at work at Optus Stadium to get match-ready. In Thursday's net practice, Kohli took to bat for 30 minutes, and Rohit batted against bowlers for 40 minutes, giving everyone an indication of his form. India all-rounder Axar Patel was impressed with their preparation and said that both of them looked sharp and raring to go. With rain threatening and the pitch being tricky, the opening ODI is set to be a thrilling and tightly contested game. Fans across the world will keenly watch to know how India's experienced pair fares in the conditions and makes a triumphant international comeback.