Steve Waugh applauds legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
The India vs Australia 4th T20I marked a special occasion at the Carrara Oval on the Gold Coast, a venue that rarely hosts men’s international cricket. While the ground is a regular fixture for women’s matches, this encounter was only the third men’s international to be staged there, all of them T20Is. The scenic venue provided a vibrant backdrop for an exciting contest, drawing a passionate crowd eager to witness top-level cricket. Among the spectators was former Australian captain Steve Waugh, who praised the atmosphere but remarked that it would have been even more memorable for fans if Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had been part of the playing XI.
IND vs AUS: Steve Waugh praises Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli
Both Kohli and Rohit were part of India’s squad for the ODI leg of the tour, the only format they continue to represent India in following their retirement from Tests and T20Is. While they did not feature in the T20 series, their presence in the earlier matches added star value to the tour. Reflecting on the occasion, Rohit Sharma acknowledged that this would likely be his final international appearance in Australia, making the series a sentimental milestone in his illustrious career.
“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two all-time great players. Virat Kohli is probably the greatest one-day player of all time. You want to see them play everywhere. People on the Gold Coast would love to see them play, but they can’t play every match," stated former Australian captain Steve Waugh.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ended the ODI series against Australia in spectacular fashion after a shaky start. Kohli had endured a tough beginning, registering ducks in the first two matches, but both he and Rohit produced a memorable response in the decisive third ODI. Chasing a challenging target of 237, the experienced duo showcased their trademark composure and class, guiding India to a dominant nine-wicket victory. Rohit remained unbeaten on a magnificent 121, while Kohli contributed a fluent 74 not out, as the pair stitched together an unbroken 168-run stand off 170 balls to seal the win with authority.
This series also marked the first time Rohit and Kohli returned to India’s lineup since the Champions Trophy final in March, where India triumphed over New Zealand. Their comeback carried emotional significance for fans and teammates alike, symbolizing the end of one chapter and the continuation of another. Following that tournament, both legends announced their retirement from Test cricket, having earlier stepped away from T20Is after lifting the T20 World Cup the previous year. Their performances in Australia served as a fitting reminder of their enduring brilliance and the legacy they continue to build in Indian cricket.
Rohit Sharma reached a monumental milestone by becoming only the 10th batter in cricket history to record 50 international centuries, further cementing his status among the game’s all-time greats. Alongside his 12 Test hundreds, Rohit remains the joint-highest century-maker in T20 Internationals, a format he bid farewell to following India’s triumphant World Cup win in the Caribbean in July 2024. His consistency and adaptability across formats continue to define his remarkable career.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli achieved another personal landmark during the same innings, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s career tally to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history. Known for his unmatched hunger for runs and mastery in chases, Kohli’s achievement reaffirmed his reputation as one of the finest one-day batters the sport has ever seen. Together, Rohit and Kohli’s milestones added another glorious chapter to Indian cricket’s legacy, symbolizing longevity, excellence, and relentless pursuit of greatness.
