The cricketing action returns to Perth Stadium with the much-anticipated comeback of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma taking center stage. The two icons are returning to play for India after a seven-month hiatus, and with their future as regards the 2027 ODI World Cup uncertain, their form will be the main focus of the three-match ODI series starting Sunday. While India celebrates ‘Choti Diwali’, cricket fans hope for early fireworks from ‘Ro-Ko’.’
In the past, it was rare for Rohit and Kohli to participate in all three practice sessions, including two optional ones. However, times have changed. Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, a new era has begun, with revised routines and expectations. The motto is clear: “team above individuals”. Rohit and Kohli’s involvement in all three net sessions, even when some junior players opted to rest, shows their determination to prove a point. Notably, Kohli scored his last Test century at Perth Stadium during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a feat he aims to replicate. Meanwhile, Rohit seeks to make his 500th international match memorable.
The match is nearly sold out, with only 3,000 tickets remaining on the eve of the game. Cricket Australia hopes the remaining tickets will be sold before the first ball is bowled. Knowing this may be the last time Rohit and Kohli play at Perth Stadium as international cricketers, fans have responded enthusiastically. Crowds lined up outside the practice arena, and fans were pleasantly surprised by the warmth shown by Kohli and Rohit. The two cricket giants spent over 15 minutes each day after practice signing autographs and taking selfies, leaving fans ecstatic on the eve of the game.
“I now have a cap signed by both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. This is the best Diwali gift I could have asked for,” said Daksh, a student in Perth, as he left the stadium. “I couldn’t get a better selfie with Virat Kohli due to the barricades, but seeing him so close is a dream fulfilled,” said Ayanika, another student. Such is the craze to see Rohit and Kohli’s return that a few fans drove from Sydney to catch a glimpse of the two batters.
Regarding the match, Perth is expected to be mostly cloudy on game day, with temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. Afternoon showers are possible, which could briefly interrupt play and add moisture to the surface. The cooler weather and cloud cover may assist swing bowling early on. While rain is not guaranteed, conditions suggest fast bowlers could have a favourable day.
Perth Stadium has hosted three ODIs so far. The team batting first has won once, while the team batting second has won twice. Interestingly, Australia have lost all three matches.
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