Rohit Sharma Struggles in India Comeback After 224-Day Absence

Rohit Sharma’s long-awaited return to international cricket ended in disappointment as the former India captain managed just 8 runs from 14 balls in the first ODI against Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday. Playing his first match since March 9, 2025, the opening batsman failed to capitalize on expectations surrounding his comeback after 224 days away from competitive action.

Early Dismissal Halts Momentum

During his brief stay at the crease, Sharma struck one boundary off Mitchell Starc’s bowling but couldn’t sustain his innings. He fell to pacer Josh Hazlewood in the fourth over, caught by Matt Renshaw at second slip. The dismissal came as a setback for India’s opening partnership, which had added only 13 runs across 3.4 overs with captain Shubman Gill before Sharma’s departure.

Comeback Challenges Continue

The outing marked a difficult restart for the veteran batsman, who had been away from the middle for over seven months. Despite high expectations from the Indian cricket fraternity ahead of the Perth encounter, Sharma struggled to find rhythm against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. His early exit raised questions about his match fitness and form as India look to build momentum in the bilateral ODI series.

The first India-Australia ODI now becomes a significant test for the team’s batting lineup, with skipper Shubman Gill and the middle order tasked with recovering from the early setbacks. Sharma will be eager to make amends in the remaining matches of the series and rediscover the form that made him one of India’s most reliable openers.