The great modern-day batsmen of the Indian national cricket team, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, participated in an oops moment during the third ODI match of the series against the Australian national cricket team.
The third and final ODI match of the series between Shubman Gill-led India and Mitchell Marsh-led Australia was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, October 25.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma give batting masterclass in Sydney
The India vs Australia ODI series had a lot of hype, mainly due to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s return to international cricket after a long time.
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However, fans didn’t get to see Ro-Ko’s magic in the first game as both batters performed poorly and received harsh criticism. In the second match, Rohit Sharma stepped up and smashed 73 runs, but Kohli once again bagged a duck.
However, the hopes of the duo batting well and forging a great partnership ended in the Sydney ODI. Rohit showed great touch from ball one and was joined in the middle by Virat Kohli after Shubman Gill’s early dismissal.
Together they put on a batting masterclass, punishing the Australian bowlers as they chased 237. They looked completely in control, putting together a partnership of 168* runs off 170 balls, with Rohit scoring 121* runs and Kohli scoring 74* runs.
During his brilliant innings, Kohli came up with a playful act that quickly went viral on social media. Notably, he hilariously hit Rohit Sharma on the backside with the bat while he was busy tying his shoelaces.
Watch Video: Virat Kohli’s antics punching Rohit Sharma
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— @ankaheenbatein (@bhavikasbae) ○ctahber 25, 2025
It was vintage Rohit – Zaheer Khan
Pace bowling legend Zaheer Khan on Cricbuzz lavished praise on Rohit and Virat Kohli for their superb knock. he said:
“This series was important for both of them in more ways than one. You can’t ignore the fact that the team is planning for the World Cup, but it’s just a matter of what kind of hungry spirit they have. All those things were important too, and today’s game will put an end to all those discussions. These two just took it to another level and they never had a chance.”
“It was vintage Rohit. He seemed much more relaxed. That first boundary off Starc was an indication of what was to come. He looked in sublime touch. Virat was great as well. Virat’s first run celebration was just a release from all the pressure. It just sent a positive signal to everyone.”
Zaheer Khan further said that the team management and selection committee, led by Gautam Gambhir, should support Kohli and Rohit to qualify for the 2027 World Cup. He elaborated:
“What you need is to have enough belief and have a clear strategy and plan. You can’t look at it series by series. You can just say: ‘Okay, okay, this is where we are, these two have been a great servant to the Indian team. If this is what they want, then let’s just have faith’. Let’s just keep doing it and see where it goes.
“Rohit’s celebration (not aloud) showed that it’s not about proving points. When you play, what you want to do is win games for your team and put on a great show. Ups and downs are part of it. From a planning perspective, you need to sit across from them and have an honest and open dialogue with them. And make a plan.”
Also read: Shubman Gill sends ‘domestic cricket’ message to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after Sydney ODI heroics