India’s Openers Struggle in ODI Against Australia Amid Speculation

PERTH, Australia — India’s opening batsmen faced a tough start in the first ODI against Australia on Sunday, with Rohit Sharma scoring just eight runs and Virat Kohli being dismissed for a duck. India ultimately lost the match by seven wickets under the DLS method.

This game marked a significant moment in Indian cricket, as Shubman Gill took charge as ODI captain, leading the team alongside veteran players Sharma and Kohli for the first time. The openers’ low scores fueled speculation on social media, with some fans suggesting they may have intentionally underperformed to challenge Gill’s authority.

However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar rejected these theories, asserting that no player would risk their career by intentionally underperforming. “In Indian cricket, there’s a persistent myth that a player who loses the captaincy might underperform to undermine the new skipper,” Gavaskar wrote in a recent column. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”

Gavaskar emphasized the importance of having experienced players like Sharma and Kohli to support Gill. He stated, “Having them around is a bonus. Both are willing to offer advice when needed, and there’s no better support for a debutant captain.”

Questions remain about Gill’s capacity to manage two former captains in his team, but he has reportedly maintained strong relationships with both players. With the next ODI on the horizon, the team will aim to bounce back and adapt to their new leadership dynamic.