India's eagerly awaited return to ODI cricket failed to live up to expectations as Australia thrashed them by seven wickets in the opener at Perth Stadium on Sunday, October 19. The game witnessed the return of former skippers and star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who failed to make an impact with the willow. Kohli was caught for an eight-ball duck, while Rohit could score only 8 runs off 14 balls, contributing to India's early woes. Australia's disciplined pace attack spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc tore apart the Indian top order on a difficult pitch that provided extra bounce and seam movement. Also Read | Virat Kohli Eyes Massive ODI Record vs Australia After Perth Setback India Collapse Under Pressure in Perth Australia beat India in the first ODI at Perth!🔥🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/HApnPJLHIA — CricketGully (@thecricketgully) October 19, 2025 Batting first, India lost Rohit Sharma early to a searing delivery from Hazlewood before Kohli also departed, edging a wide ball to short third. India had struggled at 52 for 4 in the 17th over when rain cut short play. Following a long interval, the match was cut down to 26 overs per team. Axar Patel (31 off 38) and KL Rahul (38 off 31) rescued the team with a vital collaboration, while debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed an unbeaten 19 off 11 balls, bringing India to 136 for 9. Australia was given a new target of 131 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) formula. Mitchell Marsh anchored the chase with an unbeaten 46 from 52 balls, and wicketkeeper Josh Philippe contributed a 29-ball 37, as the hosts won in 21.1 overs. India's bowling was toothless in the absence of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, with the attack finding it difficult to mount pressure. Though Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar each claimed a wicket, Australia's depth in batting ensured a smooth finish. Also Read | Watch: Virat Kohli Asks Gill and Iyer to Go First During National Anthem When is India's Next Match vs Australia? Following the dismal beginning in Perth, India will seek to square the series in the second ODI, which is scheduled at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 23. The third and concluding ODI will be at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, October 25. For Rohit and Kohli, this series is important, perhaps their final ODI outing in Australia. The pair, who have already hung up their boots in the case of Tests and T20Is, will look to make a resounding statement before India's attention turns to the 2027 ODI World Cup. The upcoming Adelaide ODI also holds sentimental value for Kohli, who has an impressive record at the venue and often describes it as one of his favorite grounds.