Shubman Gill Equates Himself with Kohli and Sharma Post 1st ODI Performance
In a disappointing start to the white-ball series against Australia, India suffered a seven-wicket defeat in the first ODI held at Optus Stadium in Perth. Rain interruptions marred the match, limiting India’s efforts and allowing Australia to secure victory with the help of Mitchell Marsh’s unbeaten 46 runs. This defeat marked India’s first loss in ODIs in 2025, ending their impressive streak of eight consecutive wins.
India’s Early Struggles
Batting first, India faced significant challenges, losing three wickets for just 25 runs within the first nine overs. The top-order batsmen struggled, with Rohit Sharma contributing only 8 runs, Shubman Gill scoring 10, and Virat Kohli departing for a duck. This shaky start left the team in a difficult position, forcing them to play catch-up.
Shubman Gill Reacts
After the match, stand-in captain Shubman Gill reflected on the experience, acknowledging the need for improvement. “When you lose three wickets in the powerplay, you’re always trying to catch up,” he stated. Despite the loss, he noted positives from the match and emphasized the support from the enthusiastic crowd.
Bowling Challenges
- Australia’s bowlers effectively capitalized on the pitch conditions.
- Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood proved particularly challenging for the Indian batsmen.
- Rohit Sharma’s milestone of 500 ODI matches was overshadowed by his early dismissal.
The Top Order’s Performance
Rohit Sharma’s good start with a straight drive was cut short when he fell to Hazlewood. Kohli’s innings was even more disappointing, as he was dismissed for eight runs after edging a delivery from Starc. His innings ended without leaving a significant mark, making it his first duck in Australia.
Upcoming Matches
With the series still ongoing, India faces critical matches in Adelaide and Sydney, where seasoned players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will need to regain their form. The pressure is on for them to demonstrate their potential in the forthcoming ODIs. As the series progresses, Indian fans will hope for a turnaround in fortunes for their team.
