Two of India’s greatest modern-day legends scripted what may well be their final masterpiece on Australian soil. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli turned back the clock with an unbroken 168-run partnership that sealed a memorable victory for India in the third and final ODI match against Australia on Saturday in Sydney. The legendary duo guided India to a nine-wicket victory, chasing down a modest 236 with striking determination. Rohit scored 121no from 125 while Kohli contributed 74no from 81.
"I've always loved coming here. I enjoy playing cricket here in Australia. Fond memories of 2008, and nice way to finish, getting that knock and getting that win as well. I don't know if we'll be coming back to Australia, but it was fun all these years that we played here. A lot of good memories, bad memories, but all in all, I'll take the cricket that I played here," Rohit told the broadcasters after the match.
The duo is retired from Test and T20I formats. However, they are mounting a bid to represent India at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
"Looks like it, yes," Rohit said when asked if the "two old dogs still had sting in the tail".
"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, and that's what we did. When we arrived in Perth, forget what has happened in the last 15-17 years, wanted to start fresh, and that's how I personally look at all the games that I've played. I'm sure it'll be the same for Virat as well, but enjoyed playing these three games."
Kohli, who copped two consecutive ducks in the first two matches of this series, made a brilliant comeback.
"Good to be out of the pond, honestly. You've scored so many runs in international cricket, but then the game shows you everything. Even at this stage, 37 and not many days old and still can feel like I don't know how to get a run. I mean this game is amazing."
"That's why we love batting, we love batsmanship, and it's so challenging when it's not going your way and just to find your rhythm again. Go out there; having a situation to play in always is something that always brings out the best in me. And yeah, when Rohit's already batting there, it's pretty easy to kind of keep rotating strike. We understand each other's game pretty well. So again, really good to have a big partnership and another match-finishing partnership for us."