During the third and final Aus vs Ind ODI played in Sydney on Saturday, October 25, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma sensibly batted with a 168-run partnership, leading the team to a 9-wicket win and avoiding the embarrassing whitewash in the series. Chasing a target of 237 runs, Rohit Sharma smashed 121 runs off 125 balls, while Virat Kohli scored 74 off 81 runs, igniting the energy of the crowd inside the stadium.
However, the duo will not feature in the upcoming five-game T20I series against Australia starting on October 29.
Kohli-Rohit’s Famous Partnership in the Third Aus vs Ind ODI
Cricket fans around the world got to witness probably the final batting partnership between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the third and final Aus vs Ind ODI as the duo produced an extraordinary performance, helping India to avoid a whitewash. The experienced batters guided India to a nine-wicket victory while chasing down 237 runs with more than 11 overs to spare.
Rohit Sharma was in the vanguard as he made an unbeatable 121 runs out of 125 balls, while Virat Kohli was a brilliant support to him with 74 not out off 81 balls. They put together a 168-run partnership, the first century partnership they had had in ODIs since January 2020. This overwhelming performance showed that everyone has a reason as to why they are regarded as two of the greatest modern-day batters.
It was also an emotional third Aus vs Ind ODI because it could have been the last ODI match of Rohit and Kohli in Australia. They were cheered with emotional banners by the Sydney Cricket Ground crowd with the text of Thank you, Virat and Don’t go Ro-Ko. Both players reacted suitably and played the traditional innings with timing, position, and confidence.
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Rohit Sharma, at 38 years old, displayed glimpses of his old self. He hit 13 fours and three sixes, and performed his usual pull shots and stinging drives. His 33rd ODI hundred was his first in eight months in international cricket. Kohli, who was scoring poorly in the first two ODIs with consecutive ducks, recovered with patience and strong confidence. His 74 not out was composed of clever singles, fast running, and beautiful boundaries that made the scoreboard tick.
It played out like a fairytale as legendary duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli put on an unbeaten 168-run partnership to take the win at the SCG. #AUSvIND https://t.co/pgzBoITAXj
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 25, 2025
The good batting was supported by a disciplined Indian bowling attack in the final Aus vs Ind ODI. India bowled out Australia for 236 in 46.4 overs, with the star performance of Harshit Rana, who contributed career-best figures of 4 for 39 in 8.4 overs. Similarly, Washington Sundar took 2 wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel took one each, helping India to take control over Australia’s batting lineup.
The captain of India, Shubman Gill, also praised the senior players, post the match, and said that Rohit and Kohli have done it for so many years, it was a pleasure to see them bat.
Rohit looked back upon his experience in Australia after the victory and said, “It was fun. I have liked every single bit, and so has Virat. We do not know whether we will ever come back, but this was something special.” Adding to this, Virat also humorously said, “Good to be out of the pond (referring to his two consecutive ducks). The game teaches you something even at this stage. It’s so challenging when things aren’t going your way,”
Their alliance in the third Aus vs Ind ODI not only guaranteed a classic victory to India but a message as well that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not over yet; they have the drive and the desire to dream of the 2027 World Cup.
Amit Mishra’s Perspective
From a cricket fan and writer’s point of view, it was a pleasure watching the legends of the sport, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, building a partnership in the third Aus vs Ind ODI, and leading the team to victory. Despite having a rough two matches, the duo Ro-Ko held their nerves in the much-needed match to avoid the series whitewash. We are still not aware whether it was the final match for both in Australia or not, the crowd bid goodbye to both players in the most respectful manner possible, with them standing with banners and quotes.
The partnership of the duo will surely be missed, especially when the team is chasing runs in high-pressure situations.
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