Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill combine to achieve a shameful record

Team India achieved an unwanted record during the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, October 19. India’s batters, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, registered the lowest runs for the top three in an ODI match since the 2019 World Cup semifinal.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and chose to field. The hosts gave Matthew Renshaw and Mitchell Owen their ODI debuts. On the other hand, India went in with an inexperienced pace attack, featuring Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, as Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the series.

India’s Top Order Collapses, Leaving Team With a Disastrous Start

India got off to a disastrous start, with their top order collapsing early. Josh Hazlewood struck in the fourth over by dismissing Rohit Sharma, who scored just eight runs off 14 balls. Virat Kohli perished for a duck to Mitchell Starc, who claimed his first wicket of the match.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Shubman Gill, playing his debut game as ODI captain, also struggled with the bat, departing after scoring 10 off 18 deliveries. India had slumped to 25/3 in 8.1 overs, leaving the team in a precarious position.

At the time of writing, India were 37/3 after 11.5 overs, with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer (6) and Axar Patel (7) at the crease as play was halted due to rain. Rohit and Kohli were making their first appearances for India in nearly seven months.

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli Achieved an Unwanted ODI Record

India’s top three batters, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, managed to score just 18 runs combined in today’s ODI against Australia. Notably, it was their lowest aggregate total at the top of the order in a men’s ODI since the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.

The 18 runs between Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli today is the lowest aggregate by India's top three in a men's ODI since the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand 😐 pic.twitter.com/cCl0KqWrZg

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 19, 2025

Virat registered his first ODI duck in Australia, marking his third scoreless outing against the Aussies and the 39th duck of his international career. Among Indian players, only Zaheer Khan (43) and Ishant Sharma (40) have recorded more.

Mitchell Starc became only the second bowler, after James Anderson, to dismiss Kohli for a duck twice in international cricket. Meanwhile, India’s total of 25 runs after losing their first three wickets, including Rohit, Kohli, and Gill, is the lowest ever for this top-order trio in an ODI.

Pressure on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to Perform in Australia Series

Before the ongoing first ODI match, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last featured in international cricket during the 2025 Champions Trophy triumph. Ahead of the ongoing Australia series, Rohit was replaced as captain by Shubman Gill.

With their place for the 2027 ODI World Cup not guaranteed, Rohit and Kohli will face intense pressure to capitalize on the opportunities available. They got off to a poor start in the first ODI, which has further intensified scrutiny on their future.

The batting duo will have to score consistently to secure spots in the upcoming 50-over tournament. Their display in Perth fell below expectations, and it will be interesting to see their approach in the next two games.

Also read: "1 Step closer to retirement"- Twitter reacts to Rohit Sharma's flop show