For perhaps the final time on Australian soil, Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli shared the stage on Saturday — and gave the Sydney crowd a night to remember. At the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the duo rolled back the years, combining for a record-breaking 168-run stand to guide India to a nine-wicket win over Australia in the final ODI.
Rohit, aged 38, rolled back the clock with a majestic unbeaten 121 — his 33rd career century — while Kohli, after two rare ducks earlier in the series, responded with a composed 74 not out.
Emotional farewell at the SCG
For fans and players alike, it was an evening steeped in emotion. The match wasn’t just about numbers — it was about two of India’s greatest modern-day cricketers possibly bidding farewell to Australia, the land where both have scripted countless memorable innings.
As the winning runs were struck and Kohli embraced Rohit at the crease, the SCG crowd rose to its feet in applause. The Indian flags waved proudly, chants echoed across the stands, and television cameras captured teary-eyed fans — a fitting send-off for two stalwarts of world cricket.
Even in the commentary box, emotions ran high. In a viral video that circulated online on Sunday, an Australian commentator could be seen in tears as his colleague paid an impassioned tribute:
“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on their last night in Australia. Not even Mick Jagger and Keith Richards could have played it better. Rohit 121*, Kohli 74*, and India win by nine wickets. The night is theirs.”
A response to critics
Beyond the sentiment, the partnership was also a statement. In recent months, speculation has intensified about the futures of both batters ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Saturday’s performance, however, was a reminder that class and experience still have their place in India’s ODI setup.
Their calculated partnership came after India lost an early wicket, with Rohit taking the attacking route while Kohli anchored from the other end. By the 35th over, the chase looked effortless, as both men turned back the clock with exquisite timing, crisp boundaries, and masterful running between the wickets.
A bond built on respect
Rohit and Kohli, despite past reports of professional rivalry, shared visible camaraderie throughout the innings. Their partnership was full of smiles, fist bumps, and words of encouragement — a testament to their mutual respect and shared journey at the top of Indian cricket.
It was not just the runs they scored, but the grace with which they did so — an exhibition of discipline, skill, and the sheer joy of batting together.
The road ahead
Though Australia may have bid them farewell, the performances in Sydney showed that both players remain pivotal to India’s ODI future. Their next assignment will be the home ODI series against South Africa, scheduled for mid-November.
As per reports, both veterans are also likely to make themselves available for a few matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December before returning for the home ODI series against New Zealand.
Whether this was their final outing in Australia remains uncertain, but if it was, the SCG knock was the perfect curtain call — a night that celebrated two of India’s greatest ever.