The highly anticipated ODI series between India and Australia got underway at the Optus Stadium in Perth with great expectations as two contemporary greats, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, returned to international cricket. But what was initially meant to be a memorable return for both players became a forgettable evening, as India lost the first ODI by a seven-wicket margin (DLS). This series marked Kohli and Rohit’s return to the 50-over format after retiring from T20Is and Tests earlier this year. The excitement among fans was clearly evident, with hopes high on the senior duo to anchor India’s innings. Kohli’s Return Ends in a Duck, But his Gesture Wins Hearts Virat Kohli, who was playing his first ODI after winning the Champions Trophy in March 2025 in Dubai, appeared to be in good spirits prior to the match. He was spotted discussing with team members, laughing, and also requesting captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer to lead the national anthem queue. Watch the video here: The way Virat Kohli call captain Shubman Gill and vice captain Shreyas Iyer to move forward for national anthem ❤️pic.twitter.com/h8GmjuSkRU — GillTheWill (@GillTheWill77) October 19, 2025 However, Kohli’s return with the bat did not go as planned. The star batter was dismissed for a duck, chasing a delivery outside off from Mitchell Starc, a dismissal that brought back memories of his earlier struggles against the same line. Australia’s Cooper Connolly dived to his left at point to take a sharp catch, handing Starc an early breakthrough. With this dismissal, Starc joined James Anderson as the second bowler to have dismissed Kohli on two occasions for a duck in all formats. Also Read | Watch: Rare Moment MS Dhoni Fields for CSK Instead of Wicketkeeping Rohit Sharma's 500th Match Ends Early Rohit Sharma, who was playing his 500th international match, too wasn't able to make a difference. He edged Josh Hazlewood to second slip, where Matthew Renshaw was stationed, after the ball had extra bounce. He left with just 8 runs under his belt, to further India's early issues in the powerplay. Despite the adversity, the Indian middle order attempted to recover but only managed 136/9 in 26 overs before rain intervened to spoil the match. Australia chased the DLS-adjusted target of 131 quite easily, securing a comfortable victory and claiming a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. India Eye Comeback in Adelaide Following a gritty performance in Perth, Team India will seek to gather momentum and make a comeback in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval on October 23. The team management will hope for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to make a big comeback and hit stride before the long season that lies ahead. With the series still in the balance, India will be keen to level it and not suffer back-to-back losses on Australian soil.