Cricket
On October 19 2025 in Perth, India’s top-order trio – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli – combined for just 18 runs against Australia, marking a shocking start
That total of 18 became India’s lowest aggregate for their top three in an ODI since the 2019 World Cup semi-final, when the same group fell for just 5 runs
Both Rohit and Virat had retired from Tests and T20Is and returned for this series. Their comeback was widely anticipated, yet the top-order collapse unfolded early
Shubman Gill made his ODI captaincy debut in this match, stepping up with Rohit and Virat back in the lineup. The combined pressure and expectations were huge
Australia’s attack struck early. Rohit and Virat were dismissed cheaply, and Gill too failed to build momentum, putting India on the back foot quickly
With this collapse behind them, India must regroup and rebuild. The series is just starting, but this innings will raise serious questions about the top-order’s form and confidence