India’s batting woes continued in the first ODI against Australia on Monday, where a fragile top-order performance led to a 7-wicket defeat in a rain-curtailed encounter. The experienced Virat Kohli was dismissed for an 8-ball duck, while skipper Rohit Sharma and young opener Shubman Gill managed only 18 runs combined, both falling inside the Powerplay.
With the hosts leading 1-0 in the three-match series, India are under pressure to regroup quickly ahead of the second ODI on Thursday. However, their preparation has once again been hindered by persistent rain, echoing the disruptions faced earlier in the week.
According to a RevSportz report, the Gill-led Indian side had initially opted for an indoor session in Adelaide due to continuous showers. But when the skies finally cleared, the ground staff swiftly prepared the outdoor nets, allowing the team to make the most of the dry spell.
ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra comments on Harshit Rana’s repeated selections amid AUS vs IND 2025 ODIs
Despite damp patches on the surface, pacers Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh bowled short 15-minute spells to top-order batters before joining Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna for gym and strength sessions.
All smiles from Virat Kohli at Adelaide Oval
One of cricket’s true icons, Virat Kohli returns to his beloved ground — training here for what may be his final appearance in international colours at Adelaide Oval.
It has been an honour and a privilege to welcome one of the… pic.twitter.com/GxCAWKSgOM
— SACA News (@SACAnews) October 21, 2025
There’s something about a Virat Kohli net session at Adelaide Oval…
Just wait for the last short 🫢 pic.twitter.com/sgABe1qkGd
— SACA News (@SACAnews) October 21, 2025
Rohit Sharma was the first to take guard, intensely focused on tackling Josh Hazlewood’s hard-length deliveries — the very kind that dismissed him for eight in Perth. He also spent time discussing technical adjustments with Shubman Gill, reflecting a sense of urgency and leadership.
ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra raises huge question on DLS after IND vs AUS 2025 1st ODI
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, eager to make amends after falling to Mitchell Starc in the previous match, channelled his frustration into a fierce 45-minute net session. He asked the throwdown specialists to bowl at full pace, maintaining high energy and visible determination throughout. Despite a few mistimed strokes, Kohli ended strongly with trademark drives and commanding pull shots, signalling his intent to bounce back.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir actively observed the session, offering strategic insights and technical feedback. With the second ODI set for Thursday in Adelaide, all eyes will be on how India responds to their early setback and reclaim momentum in the series.
