Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli arrived in Australia for the three-match ODI series carrying immense pressure. While Rohit managed to score a respectable 73 in the second match in Adelaide, the journey was far more challenging for Kohli, who registered back-to-back ducks in the first two ODIs.
RO-KO show in Sydney
However, the mark of a truly world-class player is their ability to deliver when the odds are stacked against them and RoKo did just that. While Rohit dazzled with an unbeaten 121, Kohli redeemed himself with an unscathed 74 to script India's chase and prove their batting might.
They formed an unbeaten 168-run stand for the second wicket, guiding India to a comfortable nine-wicket victory. Chasing a target of 237, they reached the goal with 69 balls to spare. Rohit finished unbeaten on a masterful 121 off 125 balls, featuring 13 fours and 3 sixes, while Kohli walked off with a fluent 74 off 81 balls.
Rohit Sharma has no plan to retire soon
Their dominant performance naturally became the focus of the post-match commentary. Former India coach Ravi Shastri was ecstatic when he took center stage for an interview alongside Adam Gilchrist. The first thing Shastri said was a classic, "But you two old dogs still have a sting in the tail." This reaction briefly left both Rohit and Kohli speechless, with Hitman needing a moment before responding.
Reacting to Shastri's playful but emphatic statement, Rohit all but confirmed that he has no plans to retire and hinted that the 2027 ODI World Cup remains well within his sights.
“Looks like it, yes. We enjoy our cricket. Most importantly, no matter what accolades we've achieved but it's important that whenever you get an opportunity to play, you've got to come and start fresh,” said Rohit.
“And that's what we did when we arrived in Perth. Forget what has happened in the last 15-17 years. I wanted to start fresh, and that's how I personally view all the games I've played. I'm sure it'll be the same for Virat as well. But enjoyed playing these three games,” he added.
Rohit who finished the series with an impressive haul of 202 runs, was rightly adjudged the Player of the Series. In the third and final ODI against Australia, India's bowlers set up the victory, with Harshit Rana returning a four-wicket haul that helped bundle out the hosts for 236. Although India comfortably chased the target, the visitors ultimately lost the series 1-2 after suffering defeats in the opening two ODIs.
India will now shift their focus on the T20I series against Australia which is slated to start from October 29.