Australia’s stand-in captain and star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has made a hilarious statement about returning men Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of the three-match ODI series, which begins on Sunday, October 19 at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma make their return to India colors with the upcoming ODI series in Australia. The former Indian captains were last seen in action during the Men in Blue’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph in the UAE earlier this year.
Mitchell Marsh shares funny take on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s return to India
Amid speculation about the ODI future of Indian batting icons, Mitchell Marsh heaped praise on Rohit and Kohli, saying it was a privilege to play against them and calling them legends of the game. Marsh even called Kohli the greatest chaser of all time.
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The upcoming ODI series carries added weight as it could be the last time fans see Kohli and Rohit in action on Australian soil. The first match in Perth is already sold out and the star all-rounder is hoping that Virat and Rohit don’t just come and show off their beast mode with the bat.
Notably, over 175,000 tickets were sold across the three matches, highlighting the excitement surrounding Kohli and Rohit’s return to action. Both players impressed during training at Optus Stadium, showing energy, timing and preparation, giving fans hope of exciting performances.
Had the privilege of playing against them: Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh said in the pre-match press conference: “I had the privilege of playing against them a lot during the trip. They are obviously legends of the game. Virat, especially in this white-ball format, is the greatest chaser of all time.”
He added: “I think you can understand why ticket sales are so high and why a lot of people come to watch them. And if it’s their last time on Australian soil, I hope they enjoy it, and I hope people get to witness not some great cricket from them, but two of the greatest playing in Australia.”
Mitchell Marsh reveals Australia’s strategy for Perth ODI
Meanwhile, Marsh shared his thoughts on the field and the team’s strategy ahead of the first ODI in Perth. The pitch is traditionally known for helping the bowlers early on, giving the pacers a chance to make an impact, but if the batters start cautiously, the game could turn into a high-scoring affair.
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Despite favorable conditions for bowlers, the Australian team does not plan to go with four pacers. Marsh hinted that the first ODI could see one or two debutants from the host side, but the final line-up will only be revealed at the toss.
The regular T20I captain also confirmed that all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will bat at number three, even though he has opened in recent domestic matches. The captain stressed that the difference between opening and batting at number three is minimal and he expects every player to settle into their role and play effectively against India.
