IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli sign off Australia tour with a special message
The India Tour of Australia did not start as fans had anticipated. After awaiting the return of their favorites for months, the IND vs AUS opener in Perth dashed hopes of a roaring comeback from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, the senior duo, back in action after over six months, fought against their form and rustiness to end the India vs Australia series on a high. The 3rd ODI in Sydney witnessed Ro-Ko forging a 168-run partnership to lead the Men in Blue to a nine-wicket win over the hosts. While the Kangaroos won the three-match series, the victory at the SCG helped the visitors avert a whitewash Down Under. Meanwhile, after their starring performance, the veterans opened up on the series and what seemed to be their final tour of Australia.
Virat Kohli reflects on collecting consecutive ducks in the India vs Australia ODI series
Virat Kohli endured a rough patch in the first two matches of the India vs Australia series. Consecutive ducks in Perth and Adelaide added to the growing scrutiny over his form and his long-term future in the format. The chatter around whether he still had the hunger to make the journey to South Africa for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup only added to the mounting pressure. However, as the IND vs AUS 3rd ODI began in Sydney, the stage seemed familiar for Kohli, a chase under lights, his favorite setting to silence doubts.
Earlier in the day, India’s bowlers had done their part. Harshit Rana showcased an impressive spell, claiming four wickets as Australia were bundled out for a modest 236. The target of 237 was well within India’s reach, and tailor-made for Kohli’s mastery in run chases. With Rohit Sharma finding rhythm at the other end, the script was ready for redemption.
The chase unfolded just as Indian fans had hoped. Virat Kohli, showing glimpses of his vintage form, crafted an unbeaten 74 off 81 deliveries. Alongside Rohit, who remained not out on 121, he stitched together a majestic 168-run partnership for the second wicket. Their efforts saw India romp home with nine wickets in hand and more than eleven overs to spare.
Once the IND vs AUS 3rd ODI concluded, Ravi Shastri and Adam Gilchrist caught up with the duo. During the conversation, Shastri cheekily reminded Kohli of his two ducks earlier in the series. Kohli responded with trademark humility and humor, admitting that those failures made him feel “human,” and for a moment, it seemed as if he had forgotten how to score a run.
"Good to be out of the pond, honestly. Well, you know, I kind of lost. You've scored so many runs in international cricket, but then the game shows you everything, even at this stage. Almost 37 in not many days and still can feel like don't know how to get a run. I mean, this game is amazing. That's why we love batting, we love batsmanship. And it's so challenging when it's not going your way, and just to find your rhythm again. Of course, going out there, having a situation to play in, always is something that always brings out the best in me," Kohli said.
The final India vs Australia ODI marked the first 100-run stand between Rohit and Kohli since 2020. Reflecting on his partnership with Rohit, Kohli acknowledged the mutual understanding the two share at the crease. Having batted together in countless high-pressure situations over the years, both veterans instinctively know how to pace an innings and complement each other’s strengths. Virat Kohli was quick to praise Rohit for easing the pressure with his dominant stroke play.
“When Rohit's already batting there, it's pretty easy to kind of keep rotating strike. We understand each other's game pretty well. So, it's really good to have a big partnership and another match-winning partnership for us,” said Kohli.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bid adieu to Australia, all but confirming the IND vs AUS as their last tour Down Under
For Rohit Sharma, the IND vs AUS 3rd ODI was not just another knock, it was a fitting crescendo to his journey in Australia. His unbeaten 121 marked a perfect finale to the tour and earned him the Player of the Series award for amassing 202 runs across three matches. During the post-match interaction, Rohit subtly hinted that this might be his and Kohli’s final appearance in Australia, acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment.
“I've always loved coming here. I enjoy playing cricket here in Australia. Fond memories of 2008 and a nice way to finish getting that knock and getting that win as well," said Rohit. "I don't know if we'll be coming back to Australia, but it was fun all these years that we played here. You know, a lot of good memories, bad memories, but all in all I'll take the cricket that I played here,” he added.
The bond between the two Indian stalwarts and the Australian crowd has always been special. Over the years, both have entertained fans across iconic venues, scoring runs with ease and commanding admiration even from rival supporters. The warmth was evident throughout the India vs Australia ODI series as fans turned up in huge numbers for every training session. As the curtains came down on the series, the duo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Australian audience for their unwavering support over the years.
“We want to say thank you as well. I mean, we've loved coming to this country and playing in front of such big crowds. And yeah, we've played some of our best cricket here as well. So thank you very much for welcoming us so well,” Kohli said.
“Thank you, Australia. Thank you,” Rohit added.
Rohit, who was part of India’s memorable Tri-Series victory back in 2008 against Ricky Ponting’s side, and Kohli, who first toured Australia in 2012, have come a long way since. Their farewell, if indeed this was the last time they played Down Under, couldn’t have been scripted any better with the two legends walking off together, smiling, victorious, and celebrated by the very crowd that witnessed some of their greatest triumphs.
