Thousands of Indian fans in Perth converged at the stadium, airport and training nets just to catch glimpses of Kohli and Sharma together again.

The series marks the first ODI outing for Kohli and Sharma since India’s Champions Trophy win in March. Their participation has shifted the narrative of the series from routine to emotionally charged.

While neither veteran has officially declared retirement from ODIs, the timing and setting (Australia) fuel speculation that this may be their last major outing down under.

The younger generation — led by the new ODI skipper Shubman Gill — will increasingly assume centre stage, but this phase is as much about tribute to the outgoing icons as it is about transition.