In their final outing in Australia, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma turned back the clock with an unbeaten partnership, guiding India to a comfortable nine-wicket win over Australia in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on October 25, 2025. The 168-run stand rescued the Men in Blue from a series whitewash. Australia, after opting to bat, were bundled out for 236 thanks to a collective effort by India’s bowlers. Harshit Rana stole the show with career-best figures of 4/39, while the spin
trio of Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav kept the middle order on the back foot.
Despite a poor start by Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, Australia suffered a collapse after the 33rd over, losing seven wickets for just 53 runs. India’s chase began brightly with openers Rohit and Shubman Gill scoring 68 in the first ten overs without loss. Gill’s dismissal brought Kohli to the crease, with the veterans looking at their best. Rohit, building on his 73-run knock from Adelaide, raced to his 33rd ODI century, finishing unbeaten on 121 off 125 balls with 13 fours and three sixes.
Kohli, after two ducks in the series, ended with a 74 not out from 81 balls, registering his 75th ODI fifty and surpassing Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket with 14,235 runs. After the game, the duo shared their thoughts on playing in Australia. Kohli expressed gratitude to Australian fans for their support over the years.
"You might've played international cricket for a long time, but the game shows you ways (on his ducks in the first two games). Almost 37 (years old) in the next few days, but chasing always brings the best out of me, nice to have a big match-winning partnership (with Rohit). I think from early on, we've understood the situation well, that's what we've always done well (as a pair), we're probably the most experienced pair now, but back in the day when we were young - we knew we could take the game away from them with big partnerships. I think it all started in 2013 (the home series against Australia), if we put up a big partnership, play around 20 overs, we know we'll go a long way in helping the team win and even the opposition realise it. We've loved coming to this country, we've played some good cricket, thank you guys for coming in big numbers and supporting us," Kohli said while chatting to Adam Gilchrist and Ravi Shastri.
Meanwhile, Rohit hinted that this series may be the last time they tour Australia. He reflected on the amount of cricket he has played in the country and has enjoyed all the moments.
"I have always loved coming here, and enjoyed playing cricket at this venue (in Sydney). Brought back nice memories of 2008 (his first tour of Australia), it was fun, don't know if we're going to come back (as cricketers), but I've enjoyed every bit. We've enjoyed playing cricket regardless of all the accolades over the years. Forget about what happened in the last 15 years, I've always loved playing here, I think it'll be the same for Virat as well. Thank you Australia," Rohit said in the same interaction.
