Sydney Showdown: Kohli, Rohit’s Final ODI in Australia
- By Thetripurapost Sports Desk, Sydney
- Oct 24, 2025
- 590
Zero runs off 8 balls in Perth.
Zero runs off 4 balls in Adelaide.
A total of zero runs off 12 deliveries — that’s how India’s superstar batter Virat Kohli has fared so far on this Australian tour. As Team India prepares for the third and final ODI in Sydney on Saturday, the focus is firmly on Kohli and his longtime teammate Rohit Sharma, who may be playing their last international match on Australian soil.
The series has already slipped away from India’s grasp, with Australia clinching victories by seven wickets in Perth and two wickets in Adelaide. The hosts now stand on the brink of a historic 3-0 clean sweep, something they have never achieved against India in ODI history.
Why This Could Be Kohli and Rohit’s Farewell in Australia
Kohli, 36, and Rohit, 38, have both retired from T20Is and Test cricket. According to the Future Tour Program, India is not scheduled to tour Australia in the next two years. Even if both veterans continue until the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, there will be no more fixtures Down Under.
Thus, Saturday’s Sydney ODI might mark the end of an era for India’s two modern batting giants in Australia.
Clean Sweep at Stake – Australia Eyes Historic Feat
Since 1984, Australia and India have clashed in multiple ODI series, but never has either side managed a complete whitewash. The last time Australia toured India, they came close — winning three of five matches while two ended in draws. This time, they could finally script history.
India’s Nine-Year Drought in Sydney
The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has not been kind to India. The Men in Blue last tasted victory here on January 23, 2016. Since then, they have suffered three consecutive defeats at the venue.
Out of 56 ODIs played between the two sides on Australian soil, Australia has won 40, while India managed just 14 victories. Two matches ended without a result. Overall, in 154 ODIs between the teams, Australia leads 86–58, with ten no-results.
Series Stats So Far
Rohit Sharma: India’s top scorer with 81 runs in 2 matches, including a fluent 73 in Adelaide.
Washington Sundar: Leading wicket-taker for India with 3 wickets.
Matthew Short: Australia’s leading run-getter with 82 runs, including 74 in Adelaide.
Adam Zampa: Star bowler of the series so far, picking up 4 wickets in the last match.
What’s Next
As the teams head to Sydney, the stakes couldn’t be higher. India seeks redemption, while Australia chases a slice of history. For fans, the biggest question remains —
Can Kohli and Rohit sign off from Australian soil with one final flourish?