Virat Kohli’s arrival at the crease in the third and final One-Day International at the Sydney Cricket Ground was a moment charged with both awe and deep nostalgia. Australian commentators and fans savored what many felt could be his final innings in Indian colors on Australian soil. It was truly a spectacle.
The atmosphere hummed with anticipation as Adam White of Sen Cricket announced, “Standby, because while the skipper is departing, the king is about to arrive for the very last time on Australian shores in Indian colours. Ladies and gentlemen… here he is, Virat Kohli.” He continued, noting Kohli’s characteristic determination: “As you’d expect, as we always see, he marches out with purpose. Arguably the best one-day record in the history of the game.”
Trent Copeland echoed the sentiment, urging listeners to appreciate the significance: “You got to pinch yourself occasionally, don’t you Whitey? That we’re here for this moment. This guy has been at the centre of seismic shifts in cricket. Unquestionably the best one-day record.”
The Sydney crowd erupted as Kohli nudged his first single, prompting White to remark, “Listen to the crowd. It’s like he’s just made a century.” Copeland observed Kohli’s subtle, human celebration – a fist bump and playful banter with the non-striker – noting, “He’s laughing at the non-strikers and giving the fist bump. He’s human, this guy.”
Kohli’s impactful return to form proved vital in India’s impressive nine-wicket victory over Australia, securing a consolation win in a series India ultimately lost 1-2. After Harshit Rana’s brilliant spell of 4 for 39 restricted Australia to 236 runs, Rohit Sharma’s magnificent 121 not out brilliantly anchored the chase. Kohli provided rock-solid support with a fighting 74 not out off 81 balls, forging an unbroken 168-run partnership that allowed India to wrap up the match in just 38.3 overs.
This historic innings saw Kohli overtake Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-getter in One-Day Internationals. He also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to claim the title of the leading run-scorer across all limited-overs international cricket, amassing an astounding 18,438 runs across ODIs and T20Is. Adding to his remarkable list of achievements, he registered his 70th score of 50 or more during ODI run-chases, eclipsing Tendulkar’s previous record of 69.
Reflecting on Kohli’s extraordinary presence, White admitted, “It’s hard not to be nervous… you don’t want the show to end. You want him to keep going.” Copeland reiterated the profound influence of such iconic players: “It really is characters that carry the game… it’s the guy that stands up and wins his team and his nation.”
As Kohli walked off the field, acknowledging the roaring crowd with nods and fist pumps, it was a powerful reminder of his monumental journey. His presence, perhaps for one last time on Australian soil, left fans and commentators with goosebumps and indelible memories to cherish forever.