Australian cricket fans are gearing up for a white-ball spectacle as India’s much-anticipated ODI tour kicks off in Perth on Sunday, October 19, 2025. But this series isn’t just another chapter in the storied rivalry between these two cricketing giants—it could mark the final Down Under appearances of Indian legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both superstars, now in the twilight of their illustrious careers, are currently active only in the 50-over format, making every outing a special occasion for their fans.
The Indian cricket team arrived in Australia in two batches over Wednesday and Thursday, with the squad’s focus squarely on the three-match ODI series followed by a five-game T20I set beginning October 29 in Canberra. The opening ODI in Perth will be followed by fixtures in Adelaide (October 23) and Sydney (October 25), promising a week of high-octane action and emotional farewells.
Virat Kohli, 36, and Rohit Sharma, 38, have collectively played close to 600 one-day internationals, a testament to their longevity and impact at the highest level. Both retired from Test cricket earlier this year and called time on their T20 international careers after India’s triumphant World Cup campaign in Barbados in 2024. Their last ODI appearance for India came in the Champions Trophy final this March, when they helped secure a memorable win over New Zealand.
With their international futures beyond this series uncertain, the cricketing world is watching closely. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has taken the reins in this transitional period, declined to comment on whether Kohli and Rohit would continue under the leadership of new ODI captain Shubman Gill. Still, the respect and admiration for the duo remain sky-high, both within the dressing room and among the fans who flock to see them in action.
That adoration was on full display during the team’s first training session in Perth. Senior stars Kohli and Sharma wasted no time, spending nearly 30 minutes apiece in the nets, fine-tuning their skills ahead of what could be a swansong series. Rohit was also spotted deep in conversation with Gambhir after his net session, perhaps discussing strategies or simply reflecting on the journey so far. Meanwhile, a heartwarming moment unfolded as a young fan, having secured Kohli’s autograph, dashed around the ground in pure, unfiltered joy—a reminder of the emotional connection these players have forged with supporters worldwide.
“It’s a really big honour and I would say I’m getting used to it,” new captain Shubman Gill said after recently leading India to a 2-0 Test series sweep against the West Indies. Gill, just 26, finds himself at the helm during a period of significant change, following the retirements of two of India’s most iconic captains. His calm demeanor and impressive form—754 runs in five Tests against England, plus a century and a half-century against the West Indies—have earned him praise from all quarters. Head coach Gambhir lauded Gill’s leadership, stating, “No one has done him a favour by appointing him the Test and one-day captain. I think he deserves every bit of it. I think he’s worked hard, and he ticks all the boxes.”
India’s recent Test success has set a positive tone for the tour. In the final Test at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, India chased down 121 in the fourth innings to seal a seven-wicket win and complete the sweep. KL Rahul anchored the chase with an unbeaten 58, while Kuldeep Yadav’s eight wickets in the match earned him player of the match honors. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who took 10 wickets in the series, now leads the Indian wicket charts for 2025 with 37 scalps in eight matches. The team’s batting was anchored by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 175 and Gill’s unbeaten 129 in the first innings, underscoring the depth and promise of the new generation.
Australia, meanwhile, is not without its own challenges and opportunities. Several Test regulars—including Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc—are using the ODI series as preparation for the upcoming Ashes. Starc, making his first international appearance of the Australasian summer after retiring from T20s, will be a focal point for the hosts. However, the Aussies will be missing key personnel for the Perth opener: all-rounder Cameron Green has been sidelined with “low grade side soreness,” while captain Pat Cummins continues to recover from lower back bone stress. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey and spinner Adam Zampa are also absent, with Josh Philippe and Matt Kuhnemann stepping in to fill the gaps.
Marnus Labuschagne, brought in to replace Green, will be eager to translate his red-ball form—highlighted by consecutive Sheffield Shield centuries—into ODI success, especially with an Ashes recall on the line. The absences present opportunities for fringe players to stake their claims, and the Australian camp will be keen to test its bench strength ahead of a busy international calendar.
The three-match ODI series is just the start of a packed schedule for both teams. With a five-match T20I series on the horizon and the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka looming next year, both sides are looking to fine-tune their combinations and strategies. For India, the blend of youthful exuberance and veteran experience will be under the microscope, especially as fans and selectors alike ponder the futures of Kohli and Sharma.
The West Indies, who recently suffered a second straight Test series defeat after a 3-0 home loss to Australia, offered a spirited fightback in Delhi, with John Campbell and Shai Hope both notching centuries. Their captain, Roston Chase, struck a hopeful note despite the loss: “It’s just for us to use this last Test match as a stepping stone and a confidence booster going into the upcoming series. We just have to keep improving as much as we can from here.”
As the ODI series gets underway, the spotlight will shine brightest on Kohli and Sharma. Will this be their last hurrah in Australia? Only time will tell. For now, cricket fans on both sides of the world are relishing the chance to witness two modern greats in action—perhaps for the final time on Australian soil.
With fresh faces, seasoned campaigners, and plenty at stake, the India-Australia ODI series promises drama, nostalgia, and a glimpse into the future of international cricket.