India defeated Australia by nine wickets in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25, 2025, avoiding a whitewash after losing the first two matches in Perth and Adelaide. Rohit Sharma won the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.

Batting first, Australia was bowled out for 236 in 46.4 overs, despite Matt Renshaw’s 56 and Mitchell Marsh’s 41. Once cruising past 280, they collapsed under pressure from India’s spinners—Washington Sundar took two wickets while Harshit Rana starred with 4/39.

In reply, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill added 69 for the first wicket before Josh Hazlewood removed Gill for 24. Virat Kohli then joined Rohit, and the duo sealed victory with an unbeaten 168-run stand. Rohit smashed 121* off 125 balls, and Kohli finished on 74* off 81, guiding India to 239/1 in 38.3 overs and a 2-1 series result in Australia’s favor.

Rohit Sharma won the Player of the Match for his 121* and the Player of the Series award as well, for scoring 202 runs with scores of 8, 73, and 121* in three games.

“That's what you expect in Australia. It's not going to be easy; the bowlers are quality. You've got to understand the situation, understand the condition, and see what best you can do. And that is what I was trying to do whenever I had the opportunity in the middle. I haven't played for a long time; I had good prep before coming in here. I was slightly confident in my head about how I would go in this tournament. Although you know, we couldn't win the series, but we'll take a lot of positives,” Rohit Sharma said in the post-match presentation, as per Cricbuzz.

He spoke about sharing his experience with the young Indian players as the team is going through a transition.

“It's still a very young team that we have. A lot of guys who haven't been to Australia. When I came for the first time to this squad, I remember how the seniors around me were there to help us. And it's our job now to make sure that we pass on the right message. Never easy travelling abroad and playing cricket. So, whatever little experience we got, it's important to pass on that and make sure they handle it pretty well. The guys are pretty talented. It's just about understanding how they want to play. When you come to places like this, you need some game plan in your mind before you start. It is important to do that,” he added.

Rohit Sharma also shared his thoughts on playing in Australia and stated that he loved batting down under.

“I've come here so many times. I still go back to the basics of playing cricket. And then, that is something that I feel that I need to pass on to these guys. I love playing in Australia and, in general, Sydney. It's a great ground, great crowd, and great pitch as well. So, when you come to places like this, you want to challenge yourself as a batter, as a player. And that is what I expected. I never thought for one second that it was going to be easy. I love doing what I do. And I hope I continue to do that,” Rohit Sharma concluded.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will now probably feature in the ODI series against South Africa at home. On the other hand, the Indian team will play a five-T20I series against Australia, starting from October 29.