Sydney is gearing up for an electrifying Saturday! Cricket Australia has officially announced that all tickets for the decisive third One-Day International between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground are completely sold out. The massive 48,000-seat stadium will be a sea of cheering fans, all flocking to witness what many believe could be the final Australian hurrah for Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Given that India isn’t slated for another 50-over series in Australia before the 2027 World Cup, this clash at the SCG carries significant emotional weight. It’s widely viewed as a symbolic farewell for two cricketing giants who have illuminated Indian batting for over ten years. While Kohli has already stepped away from Tests and T20Is, he continues to play in ODIs, though this current series has proven challenging, with consecutive ducks in Perth and Adelaide. Despite his recent dip in form, Kohli’s star power remains unmatched globally.
On Friday, enthusiastic fans flocked to Sydney airport, hoping to catch a glimpse of the 36-year-old maestro as Team India touched down. Expect an electric atmosphere on Saturday, as thousands of passionate Indian supporters, clad in blue, cheer on their hero in what might be his final Australian appearance. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, showed flashes of his brilliance in Adelaide, crafting a resilient 73 runs from 97 deliveries amidst tough playing conditions.
Both he and Kohli are making their return to international cricket after a six-month hiatus. A victory in Sydney is crucial for India, not only to prevent a demoralizing 3-0 whitewash but also to boost their morale heading into the upcoming T20 International series. Australia, having already clinched the series, will be keen to complete a dominant clean sweep. Their squad will be bolstered by the return of wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, with spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and all-rounder Jack Edwards also joining the team.