
India ended their Australia tour on a high with a memorable win in the 3rd ODI at the SCG. Brilliant performances from Rana, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli helped India deny Australia a series whitewash. In what could be their last ODI on Australian soil, Rohit and Kohli produced vintage knocks, guiding India to victory and finishing the tour with pride, emotion, and positivity.
Team India finished the tour of Australia on a high with a spirited win in the 3rd and final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Powered by brilliant knocks from Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and the emerging Harshit Rana, India bounced back to deny Australia a 3–0 whitewash, ending the series 2–1 in favor of the hosts.
This victory wasn't just about salvaging pride — it was about heart, resilience, and the determination to end the tour on a positive note.
After losing the first two ODIs, India came into the SCG clash under pressure. But from the very start, the Men in Blue looked like a different unit — confident, aggressive, and hungry to make a statement.
Rohit Sharma (121*) led from the front, finding his rhythm early and setting the tone with a fluent century. His timing and shot selection reminded fans of his vintage form. At the other end, Virat Kohli (74*), who had endured a rare run of low scores, rose to the occasion with a trademark masterclass — pacing his innings beautifully and taking charge of the chase.
Their partnership laid a solid foundation before Harshit Rana, the young all-rounder, stepped up with a composed yet fearless knock, ensuring India crossed the finish line with authority.
For Indian fans, this victory carried emotional weight. The Sydney ODI could very well be the last in Australia for both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with India's next 50-over tour to Australia not scheduled until 2028–29.
Both veterans played like true champions — Rohit bringing elegance and control, Kohli bringing intensity and class. Their partnership not only steadied India's innings but also reminded everyone of their lasting impact on Indian cricket.
The crowd at the SCG gave them a standing ovation — a fitting tribute to two icons who have defined an era of Indian batting.
While the spotlight was on the senior pros, Rana emerged as one of the biggest positives for India. His calm approach under pressure and ability to accelerate at the right time showed maturity beyond his experience. Adding a crucial wicket with the ball, he proved why he's being seen as one of India's future all-round stars.
Rana's performance perfectly complemented the senior players, giving India balance and depth when it mattered most.
Australia, who dominated the first two games, started brightly again with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh adding quick runs at the top. However, India's bowlers kept things tight, with Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav delivering timely breakthroughs.
The middle order failed to convert starts, and India's disciplined bowling ensured the hosts were restricted to a below-par total — one that Rohit and Kohli's brilliance made look comfortable in the end.
Though India lost the ODI series 2–1, the win at the SCG provided much-needed relief and confidence. It showcased the team's depth, the return to form of key players, and the potential of the next generation.
For Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, it was an emotional farewell to ODI cricket in Australia — a venue that has witnessed some of their finest innings. Their final act here, walking off victorious together, will remain etched in memory.
India may have lost the series, but they won the final battle — with pride, passion, and purpose. The combination of youth and experience shone through, as Rana, Rohit, and Kohli reminded fans that Indian cricket's spirit never fades.
The SCG triumph wasn't just a win on the scoreboard — it was a statement of intent, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
Also Read: All Eyes on Kohli and Rohit as India End Tour at SCG
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