Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rolled back the years during the third ODI between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, October 25. Their unbeaten 168-run partnership off 169 balls for the second wicket helped India chase down a 237-run target in just 38.3 overs. This win helped the Men in Blue avoid a series defeat and build confidence ahead of the T20I leg of the tour.
Rohit remained unbeaten on 121 off 125 balls, while Kohli smashed 74 not out off 81 deliveries. They hit 20
boundaries and three sixes in total. There was a lot of speculation regarding their future in international cricket ahead of the tour. However, their performance on Saturday will serve as a fitting reply to their critics.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on the iconic duo and said that they had sorted out their running between the wickets, which had been a problematic area for them in the years gone by.
"There was a time earlier in their careers when their running between the wickets was a bit heart-stopping for Indian supporters. But over the years, even that has gone. So when both of them are batting together, you can put your feet up and relax, knowing these guys are going to take your team and country home. They took the years away didn't they? With the kind of batsmanship we saw. We saw such sparkle and glitter with some of the finest shots we've seen from this duo over the years," Gavaskar said while speaking to India Today.
"Just to see it again was absolutely terrific. Very joyful to see both of them because we have too many people who haven't even picked up a bat in a sports shop asking questions about these two legends of the game. They've both shown us class is permanent and form is temporary. It just tells you the understanding with each other. They don't look to outscore or outstroke each other. They recognize each other's strengths and play according to their own individual strengths," he added.
In sport, it's better not to overthink: Gavaskar
Gavaskar believes that the runs scored by Kohli and Rohit against Australia will give them confidence heading into India's next ODI assignment against South Africa in November-December. The two stalwarts of Indian cricket are only playing 50-over cricket for India, having retired from T20Is in 2024 and Tests this year.
"If you don't get runs, then you're obviously worried because of the questions that'll be asked. So you'll be thinking a little too much. In sport, it's better not to overthink. Suddenly your game cannot go that bad. Yes, a gap may result in a struggle to get your fluency," said Gavaskar.
"But when you have the experience and all the runs under your belt, you need to just take a little more time to get going and the 50-over format allows that. That's what both players did so now they'll be a lot more relaxed when the South Africa series comes. Also because it's going to be at home," he concluded.
