Rohit’s 121, Kohli’s 74 Power India to Consolation Win in Sydney, Deny Australia Clean Sweep

It turned out to be the perfect farewell performance for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Australia — one filled with emotion, dominance.

And a clear message about their hunger to play the 2027 World Cup. The veteran duo rolled back the years at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday, October 25, producing a chasing masterclass to help India avoid a series whitewash against Australia.

Rohit remained unbeaten on 121 off 115 balls, while Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 74 not out, as India chased down 237 with more than 11 overs to spare in the third and final ODI. Their unbroken 164-run stand lit up a packed SCG crowd, transforming what was expected to be a dead rubber into a night of nostalgia and celebration.

Returning to the venue where their Test careers concluded earlier this year, Rohit and Kohli ensured their final act in Australia would be a winning one. Fans held aloft posters reading “Thank You, Virat,” “Thank You, Rohit,” and “Don’t Go Ro-Ko,” as the duo rewarded them with a vintage partnership — their first century stand in ODIs since 2020.

“It was fun. Don’t know if we’re going to come back, but I’ve enjoyed every bit,” Rohit said with a smile after the match. “We’ve enjoyed playing cricket regardless of the accolades. I’ve always loved playing here, and I think it’s the same for Virat as well.”

While Rohit and Kohli stole the show, the foundation of India’s win was laid by an inspired bowling performance led by Harshit Rana, who impressed under pressure with figures of 4 for 41. Washington Sundar took two wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel chipped in with one each as Australia were bowled out for 236 in 46.4 overs.

RO-KO Reunion After Five Years

Chasing a modest total, India started confidently through Rohit and Shubman Gill, who showed better application after struggles in Perth and Adelaide. The early movement that troubled batters in the first two games was missing, and Rohit capitalized with precise strokeplay.

After a cautious start, the Indian captain shifted gears with authority — unfurling his trademark pull and sweep shots en route to his 33rd ODI hundred, his first international century in eight months. His sharp running between the wickets stood out, as he matched Kohli’s intensity, a testament to his renewed fitness after shedding 11 kilograms ahead of the series.

Kohli, too, overcame early nerves and soon found his rhythm. A crisp straight drive off Mitchell Starc set the tone for his innings, while his impeccable placement and strike rotation ensured steady progress. Though he hit only seven boundaries, Kohli’s control and calm anchored India’s chase to perfection.

“It’s good to be out of the pond,” Kohli quipped post-match, referring to his earlier run of low scores. “The game keeps teaching you, even at this stage.”

As India crossed the finish line, Rohit and Kohli embraced in the middle, soaking in applause from the Sydney crowd — a fitting curtain call to their remarkable legacy in Australia. Both thanked the fans for their unwavering support “through the good and the bad,” signing off with a performance that reminded everyone why they remain the heart of Indian cricket.