India vs Australia 1st ODI, Perth weather forecast: Rain threat looms over Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s comeback

India vs Australia 1st ODI, Perth weather forecast: Rain threat looms over Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s comeback (Photo: BCCI)

India vs Australia 1st ODI, Perth weather forecast: With a 70 percent forecast of rain in Perth on Sunday (October 19), weather could play major spoilsport as fans eagerly wait for the much-anticipated return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Indian colours. India are scheduled to play the first ODI against Australia, which will mark Rohit and Kohli's first appearances for India after a long gap of seven months. The premier batters last played in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which India won under the leadership of Rohit.

The series also marks the preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup and is crucial for both senior pros, considering they have announced retirements from T20Is and Tests. The match is scheduled to start at 11:30 AM local time (9 AM IST).

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As per Accuweather, rain is predicted for Sunday morning, with data predicting 70 percent chance of precipitation before 11:30 AM (Australian time). As the day progresses, the rain may increase, which if happens will only derail the proceedings or force a rain curtailed contest. The toss timing is also likely to be impacted by the morning showers, hence a delayed start to the game is expected.

In the event of rain and cloud cover, captain winning the toss should choose to field first. Furthermore, since pitches in Perth have varying bounce, cloudy circumstances will aid seamers in swinging the ball, making batter's life more difficult.

Traditionally, fast bowlers benefit from the wicket at Perth's Optus Stadium, where the highest target chased is 153, while the average first innings score is 183. The teams batting second have won two of the three ODIs that have been played at the venue thus far.

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Both Rohit and Kohli will be playing at the top level for the first time in five months since the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The series will assist both previous captains in assessing their current status in light of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

It should be mentioned that Rohit has lost a significant amount of weight and appears much more fit now. The 38-year-old was seen constantly grinding in the presence of former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar and he also participated in a couple batting sessions at Mumbai's Shivaji Park.

Kohli, on the other hand, has been in the UK with his family since the IPL. He has also been training in London to maintain his fitness level. He returned to India and joined the rest of the squad on October 14. He was part of the first batch that took the plane to Australia the following day for a full-fledged white-ball series, featuring three ODIs and five T20Is.