Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have wasted no time in getting back to work ahead of India’s ODI series against Australia, which starts on Sunday in Perth. Both players were seen dedicating significant time to practice during the team’s first training session in Australia.
Kohli and Rohit, who last played for India in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, are now focusing solely on the 50-over format. According to reports, the two former captains spent nearly 30 minutes batting in the nets. Rohit was also spotted having a long discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir following his practice session.
Catch Practice with Fielding Coach. pic.twitter.com/duXVye8GtN
— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) October 16, 2025
Rohit Sharma in batting practice session with Virat Kohli.
THE RO-KO COMING pic.twitter.com/eKpxECiekN
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) October 16, 2025
Earlier this year, both Kohli and Rohit retired from Test cricket and concluded their T20 International careers after helping India win the World Cup in Barbados. This series could be their final chance to compete in Australia in ODIs.
New Indian captain Shubman Gill has expressed confidence in the pair, praising their vast experience and leadership skills. After his net session, Kohli was seen talking to bowling coach Morne Morkel, followed by a light-hearted moment with pacer Arshdeep Singh.
The Indian team arrived in Australia in two groups on Wednesday and Thursday for the white-ball tour, which includes three ODIs and five T20 matches. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, spinner Kuldeep Yadav, all-rounder Axar Patel, pacer Mohammed Siraj, and the rest of the support staff, including Morkel, reached Australia on Thursday after an evening flight from Delhi.
The ODI series will begin in Perth on October 19, before moving to Adelaide on October 23 and Sydney on October 25. Following the ODIs, India will play a five-match T20 International series starting on October 29.
Shivam Verma is a journalist with over three years of experience in digital newsrooms. He currently works at NewsX, having previously worked for Firstpost and DNA India. A postgraduate diploma holder in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Shivam focuses on international affairs, diplomacy, defence, and politics. Beyond the newsroom, he is passionate about football—both playing and watching—and enjoys travelling to explore new places and cuisines.
