Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli put on a show with the bat to script India’s nine-wicket victory in the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday (October 25).
Chasing 237 to win, India lost skipper Shubman Gill for 24, but the veteran duo of Rohit and Kohli stitched an unbroken partnership of 168 runs to take the tourists home 69 deliveries to spare.
While Rohit remained unbeaten on 121 off 125 balls, Kohli finished with 74 not out off 81 balls.
After India’s consolation win in Sydney, legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin praised Rohit Sharma for looking “a million dollars, all set and poised" during his century while also complimenting Virat Kohli for finding a way to score runs after back-to-back ducks.
“What stuck out with Rohit, that he looked proper fit and lean. That is why he is able to get those runs and get going. Even while running with Gill, he wanted a third run, but Gill refused. The quality of batting is always there, but if you are fit, you lose weight, you are able to feel light, and skill will take over. Rohit is looking a million dollars. He is looking all set and poised," Ashwin said on his YouTube show “Ash ki Baat".
“He (Rohit) has been one of your best white-ball batters over the decade or so. I was always very confident that he and Virat would both make runs. Virat was not at his best, but still, he found a way to get those runs. The straight drive he played was a sight to behold. All his fans will be very happy today. Virat looked like he is properly enjoying himself. I think it is in his mind now that whatever he is playing now is a real gift for him, and he has to enjoy this phase of his career. The whole stadium was clapping for him when he took the first single," 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 seen 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.
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.
