Perth: Cricket fans around the world are counting down the minutes as the much-anticipated India-Australia ODI series is set to begin tonight at the Perth Stadium. The first of the three ODIs will be a day-night encounter, with the toss scheduled shortly before the 9 PM (IST) start. Viewers in India can catch the live action on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.
The spotlight is firmly on the Indian side as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fondly known to fans as Ro-Ko return to the blue jersey after a significant gap. Their comeback has reignited excitement among supporters, who are eager to see the veteran duo back at the crease together. This series also marks a new chapter for Shubman Gill, who will lead India in an ODI series for the first time, signaling a generational shift in Indian cricket leadership.
India will be hoping to end a decade-long drought on Australian soil. Since the 2015 ODI World Cup, India has played three bilateral ODI series in Australia and lost all of them. With the experience of Rohit and Kohli blending with the youth of Gill and others, the Men in Blue will look to rewrite that narrative in Perth.
The absence of several key Australian players has added intrigue to the contest. Skipper Pat Cummins, all-rounder Cameron Green, wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, dynamic all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, and premier spinner Adam Zampa is all sidelined due to injuries. Their absence is expected to test Australia’s bench strength, as Mitchell Marsh steps in as captain for the home side.
Indian fans are particularly eager to see the team combination for the opening match, and the probable XI has already generated buzz. As per indications from team management, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma will open the innings, followed by Virat Kohli at number three. Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is expected to anchor the middle order, with KL Rahul who will also don the wicket keeping gloves slotted at number five.
Young Dhruv Jurel, who impressed in domestic cricket, may have to wait for his debut as Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to occupy the all-rounder’s slot at number six. The spin department will be led by Axar Patel, who will also contribute with the bat at number seven.
In the pace attack, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna are set to spearhead India’s fast-bowling unit. Harshit Rana might miss out on the opening game, while Kuldeep Yadav will be India’s main spin weapon, adding variety to the attack.
India’s probable XI: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.
Australia’s squad: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matthew Kuhneman, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Owen, Josh Phillipe, Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc.
As the teams gear up for the toss, the anticipation is electric. For Indian fans, tonight’s match is not just about cricket it’s about witnessing two legends, Rohit and Kohli, walk out together once more, as the new generation under Gill’s captaincy begins its quest for glory on Australian turf.