Perth: India skipper Shubman Gill remained optimistic despite his team’s loss in the opening ODI against Australia on Sunday, highlighting the fighting spirit his side showed after a poor start in Perth.

Chasing 131 in 26 overs (revised playing conditions due to rain), Australia captain Mitchell Marsh remained unbeaten on 46 while wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe (37) and Matthew Renshaw (21 not out) took the side over the line in 21.1 overs, with seven wickets in hand.

Gill acknowledged that losing three wickets inside the powerplay put India on the back foot, but praised the team's effort in dragging the match deep while defending a modest total in the rain-hit encounter. It was also Gill’s first leadership assignment in the 50-over format.

“When you lose three wickets in the power

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