Rohit–Kohli Masterclass Powers India to Commanding consolation win over Aussies in Sydney

 

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 168-run partnership powered India to a resounding nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI in Sydney on Saturday. The win helped Gautam Gambhir’s men salvage pride in the series and gave captain Shubman Gill his first victory as ODI skipper. Chasing 236, India cruised to 237/1 in just 38.3 overs.

After twin ducks in the first two matches, Kohli looked relieved upon getting off the mark in Sydney. Once the early nerves settled, he batted fluently alongside his long-time partner Rohit. The pair, often referred to as “Ro-Ko,” displayed vintage brilliance — calm, calculated, and commanding. Unlike the previous match, Rohit played with intent, converting good starts into a match-winning century. Despite being in their mid-to-late 30s, both veterans showed they still possess the skill to dominate top-quality attacks like those of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Having been away from international cricket for over seven months, and competitive cricket for nearly four and a half, both seniors had been under scrutiny after lackluster returns earlier in the series. But their composed performance silenced doubts about their future and brought renewed energy to Gill’s young Indian side.

Shubman Gill, opening the innings, made a promising 24 off 26 balls before falling early. From there, Rohit and Kohli took charge. Kohli survived a close LBW shout on 36, with both the on-field and third umpires ruling in his favor, and went on to play an almost flawless knock.

Rohit brought up his 33rd ODI century — his first under Gill’s captaincy — in just 105 balls, finishing unbeaten on 121 off 125 deliveries, laced with 13 fours and 3 sixes. Kohli stayed unbeaten on 74 off 81 balls, hitting 7 fours.

For Australia, Hazlewood was the only wicket-taker with 1 for 23. Starc, Nathan Ellis, Cooper Connolly, and Matthew Short all failed to trouble the Indian batters.

Earlier, Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh opted to bat first, but his side could not last their full quota of overs, folding for 236 in 46.4 overs. Travis Head (29 off 25), Marsh (41 off 50), and Matthew Short (30 off 41) made starts but failed to capitalize. The innings was held together by Matt Renshaw’s composed 56 off 58 balls, featuring two boundaries. Alex Carey (24 off 37) provided brief support, but the lower order collapsed rapidly.

India’s bowlers shared the spoils. Harshit Rana impressed with 4 for 39, momentarily silencing his critics. Washington Sundar took 2 for 44, while Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna chipped in with a wicket each. Krishna, however, looked rusty, conceding 52 runs in 7 overs.

The victory was crucial for India — it prevented their first ODI whitewash in Australia since 1984, ending a 41-year streak of avoiding such a fate. For Gambhir and Gill, the win offered relief and reassurance that experience and youth can still blend to produce championship-level cricket.

The “Ro-Ko” partnership, rekindled after months apart, once again reminded fans why they are among India’s greatest batting duos — steady, stylish, and unyielding under pressure.