In a commanding performance at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli reminded the cricketing world why they remain the embodiment of India’s batting excellence. Alongside Harshit Rana’s fiery spell, the duo guided India to a nine-wicket win over Australia in the final ODI of the 2025 series, ensuring the team avoided a whitewash and closed the tour on a triumphant note.
India’s Fightback After Tough Start to Series
The tour had been anything but easy. After defeats in Perth and Adelaide, India entered the third ODI under immense pressure, trailing 0-2 in the series. With critics circling and fans yearning for a spark, captain Rohit Sharma led from the front, turning a difficult campaign into a powerful statement. His unbeaten 121, complemented by Kohli’s 74*, helped India chase down 237 with ease and class, finishing 237 for 1 in just 38.3 overs.
Harshit Rana’s Brilliant Spell Sets the Tone
Earlier, Australia looked well set at 183 for 3, buoyed by Matt Renshaw’s fluent 56 and consistent contributions across the top order. But debutant Harshit Rana’s spell changed the complexion entirely. The young pacer showcased precision and composure beyond his years, returning with career-best figures of 4 for 39. His burst ripped through the middle order, reducing Australia to 236 all out, as seven wickets fell for just 53 runs.
India’s spinners, led by Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, maintained relentless pressure, ensuring regular breakthroughs in partnership with Rana. The disciplined bowling display was a refreshing sight after two challenging matches where India had struggled to contain Australia’s aggression.
Rohit Sharma’s Vintage Masterclass
When Sharma walked out to open, the script seemed destined for something special. Building on his gutsy 73 in Adelaide, the Indian captain looked secure, serene, and utterly dominant. Every stroke reflected his trademark balance and timing, a straight drive off Starc, lofted sixes against Zampa, and a graceful inside-out hit that drew thunderous applause from the packed SCG crowd of over 40,000.
Reaching his 33rd ODI century, and ninth against Australia, Rohit stood tall, exuding composure even as the crowd erupted. His innings of 121 not out from 105 balls wasn’t just another century; it was an exhibition of rhythm, placement, and leadership. More impressively, it came at a time when India needed character and calm, qualities Sharma has consistently delivered in his career.
Kohli’s Redemption on Australian Soil
If Rohit’s innings was vintage captaincy brilliance, Kohli’s was redemption in motion. Having suffered twin ducks earlier in the series, the former captain was greeted by a deafening ovation when he strode to the middle after Shubman Gill’s dismissal. From the first ball, a flick for four through mid-on, it was clear Kohli was intent on making a statement.
The aggression and controlled intensity that defined Kohli’s peak years returned in full force. He drove through the covers, flicked with precision, and played one of the shots of the day, a textbook straight drive off Mitchell Starc that split the field perfectly. Fortune favoured him briefly when a close lbw appeal by Nathan Ellis was millimetres away from overturning on review, but Kohli’s calm afterwards was the mark of experience.
His partnership with Rohit, worth 168 runs, exemplified mutual trust and unmatched understanding. Fittingly, Kohli sealed the chase with a stylish upper cut for four, a finish both symbolic and sentimental, possibly marking one of his last performances in Australia.
A Night for the Ages at SCG
The SCG faithful were treated to a masterclass by two of cricket’s biggest icons, players who have carried Indian cricket for over a decade. The chants of “Rohit, Rohit” and “Kohli, Kohli” reverberated through the ground, a testament to the love and respect they’ve earned globally. Many spectators recognised it could be the duo’s final ODI appearance in Australia, adding an emotional undertone to their heroic partnership.
While much of the cricketing discussion will focus on the technical aspects, Rohit’s commanding pull shots and Kohli’s nimble footwork, the true essence of the evening lay in their camaraderie. Every glance, every shared smile between the two perhaps echoed years of shared challenges, victories, and mutual respect.
Australia’s Missed Opportunities
For Australia, the game was one of squandered starts and untaken chances. After successive wins, the home side aimed for a clean sweep but failed to capitalise on their strong start. Renshaw’s innings gave them early momentum, but no one from the middle order stayed long enough to convert starts into big scores. Their lower order collapse was uncharacteristic, with several soft dismissals stemming from unnecessary aggression.
Bowling-wise, Josh Hazlewood again impressed with movement and control in his opening spell, dismissing Gill with precision. However, Starc and Ellis couldn’t maintain the pressure once Rohit and Kohli settled in. Adam Zampa’s variations were handled expertly by India’s batsmen, who attacked him decisively after his early success in the series.
The End of an Era and the Promise of the Future
Beyond the statistics and scorecards, this match carried a deeper meaning. Reports suggest that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could be nearing the end of their ODI careers in Australia, marking the end of an era that defined Indian batting dominance worldwide. As Rohit gently waved his bat after the century and Kohli raised his arm in victory, fans sensed a bittersweet moment, a farewell symphony from modern cricket’s golden pair.
At the same time, India’s balance of youth and experience offers immense potential for the years ahead. Harshit Rana’s breakout performance, along with consistent contributions from Iyer, Gill, and the spinners, hints at a robust transition under Rohit’s guidance. The team’s ability to bounce back from adversity against a strong Australian unit will serve as a valuable lesson in resilience and temperament.
