Rohit scores 8, Kohli a duck in Perth ODI; McGrath blames 8-month 'lack of game time'

What just happened in Perth? In their big return to One-Day International cricket on October 19, 2025, Indian superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stumbled badly. Rohit managed just 8 runs, and Kohli was shockingly dismissed for a duck against Australia, leaving fans and experts debating what went wrong after their eight-month-long break from the game.

Key Takeaways

Rohit Sharma scored only 8 runs and Virat Kohli was out for a duck in the 1st ODI vs Australia.
Australian legend Glenn McGrath said a ‘lack of game time’ was the primary reason for their failure.
This was their first international match after an eight-month hiatus since the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025.
India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, defended them, blaming challenging weather and rain interruptions.
Australia won the rain-shortened match by seven wickets, chasing a revised target of 131.

What Went Down in Perth?

Look, the stage was set for a massive comeback. But the reality was brutal. Playing at the Optus Stadium, known for its pace and bounce, the Indian batting lineup felt the pressure early. The match was constantly interrupted by rain, which didn’t help anyone find their rhythm. India’s innings was eventually cut short to just 26 overs.

In that chaotic, stop-start environment, both Rohit and Kohli failed to fire. It was a massive blow to India’s chances, and Australia capitalized, chasing down the revised target of 131 with seven wickets to spare. It wasn’t the return anyone hoped for.

The Big Debate: Rust or Rain?

So, why did two of the world’s best batsmen fail so spectacularly? The cricket world is completely split. Was it the long break that made them rusty, or were the conditions in Perth just too tough?

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Expert Analysis: ‘They Got Found Out’

Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath didn’t mince his words. He believes the long layoff was the real culprit. “Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma got found out,” he stated, pointing directly to their “lack of game time.” Having last played an international match in the ICC Champions Trophy final in March 2025, that’s an eight-month gap. You just can’t fake match fitness.

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan agreed, emphasizing that no amount of net practice can replace competitive time in the middle. For seasoned players, consistent match practice is everything.

The Team’s Defense: Blame the Weather

But here’s the thing, India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, sees it differently. He pushed back against the ‘rustiness’ theory. Kotak argued that the challenging weather conditions and multiple rain breaks were the real villains. He insisted that the constant interruptions made it incredibly difficult for any batsman to settle in, let alone two players making a comeback.

Legends Rally, Fans React

Despite the poor start, support is pouring in from some of the biggest names in cricket. Former Indian captains Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri quickly came to their defense. Both legends publicly backed Rohit and Kohli, expressing confidence that they would regain their form in the upcoming matches. They know a thing or two about pressure, right?

Social Media Storm

As you’d expect, fans on social media had a lot to say. While some were critical, many pointed to the legends’ backing as a reason to stay patient. The consensus from cricket royalty is clear: don’t write off Rohit and Kohli after just one bad day at the office, especially under such tricky circumstances. What do you think? Was this just a one-off, or are you worried about their form moving forward?

Rohit scores 8, Kohli a duck in Perth ODI; McGrath blames 8-month ‘lack of game time’

Key Takeaways

What Went Down in Perth?