India’s emphatic nine-wicket win over Australia in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday not only marked a triumphant end to the series but also stirred emotions among fans and family members alike. Virat Kohli’s sister, Bhawna Kohli Dhingra, took to Instagram to post a heartfelt message celebrating her brother’s performance and India’s spirited comeback.
The post, which quickly gained traction online, featured two touching Instagram Stories, including a clip of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma embracing after India’s victory. Bhawna paired the video with the soulful Punjabi classic by the Wadali Brothers — “Ve mahiya tere vekhan nu, chuk charkha gali de vich panwa, Ve loka paane main kat di, tang teriya yaad de panwa” — symbolising her pride in her brother’s resilience and enduring spirit.
Rohit and Kohli turn back the clock
The third ODI proved to be a spectacle for cricket fans worldwide as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rolled back the years, producing a partnership reminiscent of their vintage best. Rohit’s majestic unbeaten 121 — his 33rd ODI century — and Kohli’s classy 74 not out powered India to a commanding nine-wicket victory, chasing down Australia’s 236-run target with 11.3 overs to spare.
The match, held at the SCG, saw India’s top order in sublime touch. After Shubman Gill was dismissed for 38, Rohit and Kohli steadied the innings with an unbroken 168-run stand. Their calm assurance at the crease drew cheers from the crowd, rekindling memories of India’s dominant batting partnerships of the past decade.
Rohit’s innings was a blend of power and timing, featuring 13 boundaries and three sixes, while Kohli’s knock highlighted his trademark composure and finesse, laced with seven fours. Together, they ensured India not only avoided a clean sweep but also sent a strong reminder of their experience and hunger ahead of future tournaments.
Bowlers set up India’s victory
Earlier, Australia’s decision to bat first seemed promising as the openers started solidly. However, India’s bowlers soon shifted momentum in their favour. Harshit Rana, the young pacer, was the standout performer with an impressive 4/39, dismantling Australia’s middle order and sparking a collapse that saw them bowled out for 236.
Supporting him were Washington Sundar with two wickets and Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Prasidh Krishna, who took one wicket each. The disciplined bowling performance ensured India had a manageable chase, setting the stage for the Kohli-Rohit show.
Milestone moment for Kohli
For Virat Kohli, the victory carried special significance beyond the team’s success. His innings at the SCG propelled him past Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-getter in ODI history. Kohli now has 14,253 ODI runs, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar’s 18,426, while maintaining an extraordinary average of 57.69 across 305 matches — the highest among top-tier batters in the format.
The achievement reaffirmed Kohli’s stature as one of cricket’s modern-day greats. His consistency and work ethic continue to inspire fans worldwide, and Bhawna’s emotional tribute highlighted the personal pride his family feels in his journey.
Family pride and public admiration
Bhawna’s post resonated deeply with fans, many of whom echoed her emotions in the comments. Her message stood as a reminder that behind every celebrated athlete lies a circle of loved ones who share the triumphs and the challenges.
While Virat Kohli is often celebrated for his on-field aggression and determination, moments like these showcase the human side of sporting glory — where victories are cherished not just by players but by families who have supported them throughout their careers.
A fitting conclusion to the series
India’s win in Sydney provided a positive conclusion to the three-match ODI series, ensuring they avoided a whitewash. More importantly, it reignited faith in India’s senior pros — Kohli and Rohit — whose partnership once again demonstrated why they remain central to India’s success in limited-overs cricket.
As the team looks ahead to future challenges, including the next ICC events, this match served as both a nostalgic reminder of India’s golden batting era and a statement of intent for what’s to come.