India National Cricket Team’s modern batting greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were part of an Oops moment during the third ODI match of the series against the Australia 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 a masterclass in percussion in Sydney
The ODI series between India and Australia had a lot of hype surrounding it, mainly due to the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international cricket after a long time.
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However, the fans could not see Ro-Ko’s magic in the first match as both batters underperformed and received heavy criticism. In the second match, Rohit Sharma stepped up and smashed a whopping 73 runs, but Kohli took another duck.
However, the wait for the duo to work well together and build a great partnership ended in the Sydney ODI. Rohit glanced home a golden ball from ball one and after the early dismissal of Shubman Gill, he was joined by Virat Kohli in the middle.
Together they presented a batting masterclass and punished the Australian bowlers as they chased down 237 runs. They looked to be in complete control and built a partnership of 168* runs in 170 balls with Rohit hitting 121* runs and Kohli scoring 74* runs.
During their brilliant innings, Kohli came up with a playful act that quickly went viral on social media. Notably, he hilariously tapped Rohit Sharma, who was tying his shoelaces, on the backside with the bat.
Watch: Virat Kohli’s playful act as he slaps Rohit Sharma
pic.twitter.com/rKTe588zbd
— @ankaheenbatein (@bhavikasbae) October 25, 2025
It was vintage Rohit – Zaheer Khan
Speaking on Cricbuzz, pace bowling legend Zaheer Khan lavished praise on Rohit and Virat Kohli for their fantastic strokes. He said:
“It was important for both of them in more ways than one this series. You can’t ignore the fact that the team will have a plan for the World Cup. It’s just about what kind of hunger they have. All those things would matter too and today’s showing will just put all those discussions to rest. These two just took it to another level and it was hopeless.”
“It was vintage Rohit. He looked much more relaxed. That first boundary off Starc was the indication of what was going to happen. He looked sublime. Virat too was equally good. Virat’s first run celebration was just a release from all the pressure. It was just a positive signal to everyone.”
Zaheer Khan further said that the Gautam Gambhir-led team management and selection committee should support Kohli and Rohit to play the 2027 World Cup. He explained:
“It’s about having enough confidence and having a clear strategy and plan. You can’t take it series by series. You just have to say, ‘OK, fine, this is where we are now, these two have been great servants for the Indian team. If this is what they want, let’s just have the confidence’. Just go with that and see where it takes you.
“Rohit’s celebration (muted) indicated that it is not about proving a point. When you play, this is what you want to do: win games for your team and put on a great show. Ups and downs are part of that. From a planning point of view, you have to sit opposite them and have the dialogue with all honesty and openness. And then come up with a plan.”
Also read: Shubman Gill sends ‘domestic cricket’ message to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after Sydney ODI heroics
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