If the festive spirit of Diwali had begun to fade, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rekindled it with a performance that will undoubtedly be remembered long after the celebrations. On a vibrant Saturday afternoon at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India’s bowlers mounted an extraordinary comeback.
Spearheaded by pacer Harshit Rana, who claimed an impressive 4 for 39, and ably supported by the spin wizardry of Washington Sundar (2-44), Kuldeep Yadav (1-50), and Axar Patel (1-18 from six overs), they triggered a dramatic Australian collapse. The home side, having elected to bat, crumbled from a comfortable 183-3 to a mere 236 all out, losing seven wickets for just 53 runs.
(Image: Virat Kohli of India is congratulated by teammate Rohit Sharma after completing a half century during game three of the One Day International series between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25, 2025.)
The largely Indian crowd, brimming with anticipation, was treated to exactly what they came for: a masterclass in batting from the dynamic duo affectionately known as ‘Ro-Ko.’ Their partnership led to a commanding nine-wicket victory, ensuring India avoided a humiliating whitewash in the series, even though Australia ultimately won the series 2-1.
Just two nights prior in Adelaide, Rohit had toiled hard for his 73 runs on a challenging pitch. But in Sydney, a ground where he has historically played pivotal roles in India’s rare victories over Australia (in 2008 and 2016), the former skipper unleashed his full prowess. He elegantly reached his 33rd ODI century off just 105 balls, finishing with an unbeaten 121 from 125 deliveries, studded with 13 fours and 3 sixes. This remarkable knock brought him level with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar for the most ODI centuries against Australia, with nine each.
Alongside him, Virat Kohli, his trusted comrade in countless successful chases against the Australians, settled in. The ‘chase master’ was determined not to return from his 6,472-mile journey from Delhi without making a significant impact. Kohli responded with a beautifully crafted, unbeaten 74 runs off 81 balls, including 7 boundaries. He even celebrated his first run, a flick off Josh Hazlewood, with a playful clenched fist and a wide smile, signaling his intent.
(Image: Scoreboard of the match.)
This experienced pair forged an incredible 168-run partnership for the second wicket, marking their 19th century stand together. They steered India comfortably to the target, silencing any critics who might have doubted their continued ability to perform at the highest level.
(Image: Key statistics and numbers from the match.)
Kohli’s enduring brilliance in the ODI format stems from his exceptional fitness and relentless running between the wickets, allowing him to be a consistent, risk-free run-scorer without ever compromising the innings’ momentum. His signature repertoire includes delicate dabs to third man, precise clips through mid-wicket, and powerful drives to wide long-off against spin, especially post-powerplay.
While Rohit’s explosive hitting will dominate the highlights reel from Saturday, Kohli’s immaculate straight drive off Mitchell Starc was a moment of pure class, worthy of popping champagne. His only moment of tension came when he survived an umpire’s call DRS decision for an LBW against Nathan Ellis, further solidifying his tenacious performance.
Adopting an open stance to counteract Mitchell Starc’s inward swing, Rohit began his innings by gracefully clipping a Starc inswinger through mid-wicket. A blistering extra-cover drive off the left-armer later drew high praise from Mark Waugh in the commentary box.
However, Rohit saved his most aggressive play for the spinners, particularly leg-spinner Adam Zampa. He dispatched Zampa for two massive sixes – one a powerful slog-sweep and the other a sublime hit over deep extra cover, showcasing his mastery over spin bowling.
Australia’s attempts to unsettle Rohit with part-time bowlers Cooper Connolly and Matthew Short proved futile, as both were mercilessly swept for boundaries behind square. Rohit’s well-deserved century arrived with a gentle push off Zampa to long-off, marking his monumental 50th international hundred across all formats, including five in T20Is and twelve in Tests.