Shubman Gill Reflects on Early Collapse and Key Learnings After India’s Loss to Australia in Perth ODI
Mumbai: Following India’s seven-wicket loss to Australia in the opening ODI at Perth’s Optus Stadium, skipper Shubman Gill admitted that his side was forced to “play catch-up” after losing early wickets in the powerplay. Despite the defeat, Gill said there were “a lot of learnings and positives,” as the team managed to take the game relatively deep while defending a modest total of 131 in 26 overs.
India’s innings was hampered by multiple rain interruptions that reduced the contest to 26 overs per side. The much-anticipated return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not go as planned, as both senior batters failed to make an impact. Australia, led by stand-in captain Mitchell Marsh, chased down the revised target comfortably in 21.1 overs, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
Gill on the Early Collapse and Positives
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gill said, “It’s never easy when you lose three wickets in the powerplay — you’re always trying to play catch-up. There were a lot of learnings and positives as well. Defending 131 in 26 overs, we took the game pretty deep, so we’re satisfied with that.”
The young skipper also praised the crowd for their unwavering support, saying, “We are very fortunate. The fans turned up in huge numbers, and hopefully, they’ll be there to cheer us on in Adelaide as well.”
India’s Struggles With the Bat
Put in to bat first, India’s top order faltered against the new-ball duo of Josh Hazlewood (2/20) and Mitchell Starc (1/22). Rohit Sharma (8), Gill (10), Virat Kohli (0), and Shreyas Iyer (11) all fell cheaply as India stumbled early.
Frequent rain delays disrupted India’s rhythm, but KL Rahul (38 off 31) and Axar Patel (31 off 38) steadied the innings with a 39-run partnership. A late cameo from Nitish Kumar Reddy (19 off 11)* pushed India to 136/9 in their allotted overs.
Marsh Leads Australia to Easy Win
In reply, Australia’s chase was rarely in doubt. After Arshdeep Singh dismissed Travis Head (8) early, skipper Mitchell Marsh (46 off 52)* anchored the innings with support from Josh Philippe (37 off 29) and *Matt Renshaw (21 off 24)**. The hosts reached the target in 21.1 overs, sealing a comfortable win.
With the second ODI set to take place in Adelaide, India will be keen to regroup and bounce back to keep the series alive.
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