Australia began their home ODI season with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over India at Perth's Optus Stadium on October 19, 2025, despite persistent rain interruptions that reduced the contest to 26 overs per side. The match marked the return of Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to international cricket for the first time since March 2025, but the much-anticipated comeback failed to inspire an Indian victory.

India's batting lineup, led by newly appointed full-time ODI captain Shubman Gill, struggled against a disciplined Australian bowling attack. The visitors could only muster 136 for 9 in their allotted 26 overs, with KL Rahul top-scoring with a brisk 38 off 31 deliveries and Axar Patel contributing a valuable 31 off 38 balls. Apart from these two efforts, India's vaunted batting order produced a collective failure, setting up Australia for a comfortable chase.

Josh Hazlewood was the standout performer with the ball for Australia, delivering a masterclass of precision bowling. The right-arm seamer claimed 2 wickets for just 20 runs from his seven overs, including an impressive 35 dot balls. His victims included Rohit Sharma, who was dismissed early after being deceived by sharp bounce and edging to second slip, and Shreyas Iyer, who fell for 11 off 24 balls after being cramped up by a short delivery that he gloved to wicketkeeper Josh Philippe.

Chasing a revised DLS target, Australia lost three wickets but never looked in serious trouble. Interim ODI captain Mitchell Marsh anchored the chase with an unbeaten 46 off 52 deliveries, hitting three sixes during his innings to take his career ODI six-hitting tally to 102, becoming only the eighth Australian to cross the century mark in this category. Josh Philippe provided early momentum with a quickfire 37 off 29 balls, while ODI debutant Matthew Renshaw remained unbeaten on 21 off 24 balls, fittingly hitting the winning runs with 29 balls to spare.

The victory ended India's impressive eight-match ODI winning streak and gave Australia a crucial 1-0 lead in the series. For India, it was a disappointing start to Gill's captaincy tenure, with the young leader admitting post-match that his team had played catch-up after losing three wickets during the powerplay.

The match also featured ODI debuts for Matthew Renshaw and Mitch Owen, with both players making notable contributions to the Australian cause. The second ODI of the series is expected to provide India an opportunity to bounce back and level the series as the two cricketing giants continue their storied rivalry.