With just two days remaining before Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma make their long-awaited return to international cricket, anticipation among fans has reached fever pitch. The two Indian stalwarts, who have retired from Test and T20I cricket, are now focused solely on the ODI format. Speculation is rife about their international futures, with this three-match series against Australia being widely viewed as their possible swan song on Australian soil.

Ahead of the first ODI at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, Kohli and Rohit were spotted in the nets, drawing local fans eager to catch a glimpse of their idols. Social media quickly filled with clips from the training session, including a humorous moment where Kohli was clean bowled, leaving the former captain visibly disappointed but determined.

Move on? pic.twitter.com/1zjL0JhGqp

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) October 17, 2025

Kohli’s last competitive outing came in June when he achieved a long-cherished dream by winning the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Since then, he has enjoyed a break in London with his family, stepping away from professional cricket to recharge mentally and physically. He recently arrived in New Delhi to join the ODI squad, led by Shubman Gill, before the team departed for Australia in staggered batches.

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Curiosity was high about which players would participate in the optional training session at Perth, and Kohli did not disappoint. According to ESPN Cricinfo, he began with catching drills on the turf, where he scored his last Test century just under a year ago. He then spent approximately 40 minutes in the nets facing a mix of pace from Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and local bowlers.

While a few deliveries tested him, Kohli largely looked composed, timing his strokes well and adjusting to the expected lively surface for the ODI opener under potentially damp conditions.

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The return of Kohli—and the presence of Rohit Sharma alongside him—has significantly amplified excitement around this series. With over 50,000 fans expected at Optus Stadium, the ODI opener promises to be a high-profile affair, marking the much-anticipated comeback of two of India’s greatest white-ball cricketers.