“We want to say thank you” - Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bid adieu to the Australian crowd

In the three-match ODI series, which saw Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to international cricket, India lost 1-2 to Australia. With their pacers taking advantage of dynamic circumstances, the hosts dominated the opening two games in Adelaide and Perth. In the Sydney final, Rohit and Kohli displayed a brilliant partnership as India chased down 237 with 69 balls remaining to rescue pride.

The visitors had a mixed bag, with the senior pros showing off their skills, the all-rounders returning consistently, and Shubman Gill learning a lot about being a captain under pressure.

On Saturday, October 25, former India captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli said a tearful farewell to the Australian audience. The legendary pair scored 168 runs for the second wicket in what may have been their last match in Australia, helping India win by a commanding 9 wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Both players had been the subject of rumours regarding their potential inclusion in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli entered the game after recording ducks in the first two games, and Rohit had lost the ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill. However, during this pursuit, experience and poise were evident.

Player of the Series Rohit Sharma expressed deep nostalgia after the match. He said, “I have always loved coming to Australia and really enjoy playing at this ground (Sydney). Memories of my first Australia journey in 2008 came back. Don't know if we will ever come here again or not, but I enjoyed every moment. Forgetting years of achievements, have always loved playing. I think Virat will say the same thing. Thanks to Australia.”

“We want to say thank you as well. We love coming to this country and playing in front of such big crowds. We’ve played some of our best cricket here too. So, thank you very much for welcoming us so warmly. You guys are brilliant; we’ve never felt short of support here,” Virat Kohli also said.

This performance was more than simply a win for Indian supporters; it was a celebration of two contemporary legends who may be making their farewell appearances in Australia, where they both wrote some of their most memorable cricketing histories.

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