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Shubman Gill-led India finally reach Australia after multiple flight delays ahead of ODI series

Jatin

Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli arrive in Perth [Source: @Vimalwa/x.com]Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli arrive in Perth [Source: @Vimalwa/x.com]

It was a long and tiring journey but the Indian cricket team has finally touched down in Perth for their much-awaited white-ball tour of Australia. After multiple flight delays and a restless travel schedule, the Shubman Gill-led squad arrived in the city early on October 16, ready to kick off preparations for the ODI series starting October 19.

Delayed flight and weary faces

The players had assembled at the Delhi airport early on October 15 but their flight to Australia was delayed by nearly four hours. The connecting flight from Singapore added to the chaos and by the time they reached Perth, it was around 4 am local time.

Despite the travel hiccups, spirits remained intact. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul were among the first batch of players spotted at the airport as seen in a video shared by journalist Vimal Kumar on X. With tight security in place, fans had little chance to interact or click pictures as the weary Indian stars headed straight to their hotel for rest.

Kohli and Rohit return to action

All eyes are on the seasoned duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who make their international return after the Champions Trophy win earlier this year. Rohit’s blistering 76-run knock in the final had earned him the Player of the Match award and fans will be eager to see if the Hitman can recreate that magic Down Under.

Both veterans have now shifted their focus solely to ODI cricket, having retired from T20Is following India’s T20 World Cup 2024 win in Barbados and stepping away from Tests before the England tour.

New captain, same ambition

With Shubman Gill now at the helm as ODI captain, India begins a new chapter. Rohit Sharma, now free from captaincy duties, will look to anchor the top order alongside Kohli. Shreyas Iyer will serve as vice-captain while KL Rahul continues as wicketkeeper-batter.

Gill’s leadership will be under the microscope but with a balanced squad featuring the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and pacers Siraj, Arshdeep, and Prasidh, India looks well-equipped for the challenge.

India will take on Mitchell Marsh’s Australia in a three-match ODI series at Perth (Oct 19), Adelaide (Oct 23), and Sydney (Oct 25), before switching gears for a five-match T20I series starting October 29.

The tour serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for India’s white-ball setup before they turn their attention to the T20 World Cup 2026.