First ODI: Kohli, Rohit in focus as Gill steps in as full-time skipper

Even amid the emotional theme of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s return to India fold, Shubman Gill’s maiden outing as full-time ODI skipper provides an equally compelling narrative to the first one-dayer against Australia here on Sunday.

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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Kohli and Rohit are coming back to national colours after playing the Champions Trophy in March, and the dynamics of Indian cricket has changed irrevocably in these seven months.

The cricketing ecosystem has learned to survive the prolonged absence of Kohli and Rohit — at least in two formats — in this interim period.

So, what do these two veteran batters now have to offer to the side? Before delving into that question, let's be clear about it — Kohli and Rohit will be counted among the greatest one-day batters across the eras and by any yardstick.