AUS vs IND 2025: Gautam Gambhir-Rohit Sharma involved in discussion during first practice session in Perth

Published - 16 Oct 2025, 18:17 IST | Updated - 16 Oct 2025, 18:43 IST

Ahead of the India vs Australia ODI series, head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior batter Rohit Sharma were seen having a long discussion during the team’s first practice session in Perth. The video of them together went viral, following the ongoing chatter about their professional dynamics, especially after Rohit was replaced by Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain.

Notably, Rohit is set to feature in his first international assignment since leading India to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title earlier this year. Following the win, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee decided to hand the ODI captaincy to Gill. Since then, speculations have increased about Rohit’s future in white-ball cricket and his relationship with the new team management.

The veteran opener, who last played in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 for the Mumbai Indians, has been working hard for his return to international cricket. Before leaving for Australia, he trained under Abhishek Nayar in Mumbai.  Upon arriving in Perth, the opener was among the first batch of players to hit the ground running. During Thursday’s practice session, cameras captured him and Gambhir engaged in a conversation near the nets. It was the duo’s first on-field interaction since the Champions Trophy campaign.

🚨A moment of discussion between India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma.Full Video: https://t.co/kPcjPrmLDp@ThumsUpOfficial @rohitjuglan #RohitSharma #GautamGambhir #TeamIndia #AUSvsIND

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Gambhir, after the recent India-West Indies Test series, spoke about the captaincy change and Rohit's white-ball future.

"Look, 50-over World Cup is still two-and-a-half years away, and I think it is very important to stay in the present. That is very important. Obviously, they are quality players, they are coming back, their experience is going to be a handful in Australia as well. Hopefully, those two guys will have a successful tour, and more importantly, as a team, we will have a successful series," Gambhir said as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.

Meanwhile, both Rohit and Virat Kohli are making their return to the ODI setup after a seven-month break. The team’s practice session also featured Kohli, who batted alongside Rohit. Notably, the Indian contingent, arriving in two groups, will have a couple more training sessions before the opening ODI in Perth.