Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli starred with the bat for India in Sydney ODI win.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rolled back the years with a 168-run stand in what could be their Australian swansongs as India thrashed the hosts by nine wickets in third ODI at SCG on Saturday (October 25).
Rohit’s magnificent 121* off 125 balls, laced with 13 fours and three sixes, showcased his power, while Kohli’s measured 74* off 81 balls demonstrated his excellent strike rotation and calculated risk-taking abilities in the chase of 237.
Speculations were rife about Rohit and Kohli’s retirements after the tour Down Under, but the duo silenced their critics with a stunning display. In fact, their brilliance in Sydney helped India avoid a series whitewash against Australia.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif said life has come to a full circle for batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as they stand in a position in the twilight phase of their careers, where scoring runs will guarantee them a place in India's ODI fold, just like when they first emerged into the scene.
"Virat Kohli was talking to someone on the phone after the match. After collecting the Man of the Match and Man of the Series trophies, Rohit Sharma also walked past Gautam Gambhir. They could have exchanged smiles, but he walked past him. It is now clear that they have decided their respect is in their own hands. If I score runs, then I will play," Kaif stated.
"When you are a new player, you know that nobody is going to support you, and you must perform to stay in the team. They have the same approach again towards the end of their career. It's like, 'Yaha koi dost yaar nahi hai, main Hindustan ke liye khelunga' (There are no friends here, I will play for India). Under this situation, it is not a team game, especially when people are waiting to remove them when their form dips," he added.
With fewer ODIs being scheduled these days, there is already enough chatter about the ageing pair possibly playing the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy in December 2025.
After the end of the Australia series, India’s new ODI captain Shubman Gill hinted at senior players’ participation in the List A tournament, as he stated that discussions will take place after the ODI series against South Africa later this year.
It is pertinent to mention here that that Rohit and Kohli will next be in action in the three-match series against South Africa at home, starting November 30. Once this ends on December 6, there are no ODIs scheduled till January 2026 against New Zealand. Hence, they might just have to play domestic cricket to stay match fit and in rhythm.
“Right now, we haven't had any discussions. There's not much gap left for the South Africa series. There's a bit of a gap between the South Africa and New Zealand series. We will have discussions after the South Africa series, and we will decide on how to keep the players in touch,” Gill told reporters after the end of the Australia ODI series.
Gill, who was appointed India’s ODI skipper earlier this month, also said that having Rohit and Virat around helps him as they are more than willing to share their inputs.
“It is always helpful. Both of them have played a lot in Australia. They have won so many matches for the country. Having Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma helps me as a captain. I can ask them anything whenever I have any doubts in the field. It is a big relief that I can always go upto Rohit and Kohli,” he remarked.