Following a spectacular match-winning partnership, former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan heaped praise on cricket veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, suggesting that their best performances are still ahead of them.
Rohit Sharma, left, and Virat Kohli return to the pavilion.
After initial struggles in the first two One Day Internationals, which India had lost, Rohit and Kohli staged a remarkable comeback. They utterly dominated the Australian bowlers while chasing a target of 237 runs. Rohit led from the front with an unbeaten 121 runs, perfectly complemented by Kohli’s solid 74 not out.
Speaking on JioStar, Irfan Pathan expressed his admiration: “The way things unfolded today, it felt like destiny. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching these two cricketing giants, Virat and Rohit, finish the match together. Virat needed around 70-74 runs to maintain his impressive average of 50 in Australia, and he delivered exactly that.”
Pathan continued, “If this isn’t poetic justice, what is? Rohit’s dedication, his rigorous training, and his improved fitness were evident. He quickly bounced back even after a run-out scare in the second match. Both players have unequivocally declared that ‘picture abhi baki hai mere dost’ – meaning, the best is yet to come, my friend.”
Earlier in the game, Australia won the toss and elected to bat first.
Their innings began with a strong 61-run opening partnership between Mitchell Marsh (41 runs from 50 balls) and Travis Head (29 runs from 25 balls). Contributions also came from Matt Short (30 runs) and a 59-run stand between Matt Renshaw (56 runs) and Alex Carey (24 runs).
Australia was eventually bowled out for 236 runs in 46.4 overs. India’s bowlers performed commendably, with Harshit Rana taking four wickets, Washington Sundar securing two, and Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav each claiming one wicket.
India’s chase got off to a good start with Shubman Gill contributing 24 runs in a 69-run opening partnership.
However, it was the formidable pair of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli who truly sealed the deal, forging an unbeaten 168-run partnership. Rohit’s magnificent 121 not out off 125 balls and Kohli’s composed 74 not out from 81 balls powered India to a commanding nine-wicket victory.
For his outstanding performance, Rohit Sharma was rightfully awarded both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series titles, having accumulated a total of 202 runs, including a century and a half-century across the series.