Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli probably played their final international cricket game in Australia, and bid farewell on a high as they helped India win the third and final ODI in Sydney by 9 wickets. India avoided a whitewash, as Australia won the three-ODI series 2-1.
Australia was bowled out for 236 runs, despite Matt Renshaw’s 56 as Harshit Rana routed their batting, taking 4/39. In response, Shubman Gill fell for 24 runs after adding 69 runs for the first wicket.
But then the two most experienced Indian batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, added 168* runs for the second wicket, to take India past the finish line. While Virat Kohli made 74* with 7 fours, it was Rohit Sharma, who stole the show with 121* with 13 fours and 3 sixes, his 33rd ODI century.
Rohit Sharma was the Player of the Match and Player of the Series.
For the two former Indian captains, it wasn't just another win or performance. It was a subtle answer to the outside talk about their World Cup prospects, as well as a sincere thank you to the enormous Australian crowd that gathered at the SCG to commemorate the modern-era superstars.
The emotions in the commentary box were as emotive, with even seasoned voices noticeably moved by the event, much like the SCG audience, which rose to applause as Kohli and Rohit embraced after completing the nine-wicket victory.
In a video that went viral on social media on Sunday, one of the Australian commentators on SEN was seen in tears standing behind his colleague as he paid tribute to Kohli and Rohit.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on their last night in Australia. Not even Mick Jagger and Keith Richards could have played it better. Kohli and Rohit...the night is theirs. Rohit, 121 not out. Kohli, 74 unbeaten, as India win by nine wickets,” the other commentator said.
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While Australia may have bid goodbye to Kohli and Rohit,they are far from done in international cricket. The two will play their next ODI series at home against South Africa, which begins in mid-November.
