Finally, what millions of fans had been waiting for, for months, has happened. The Sydney Cricket Ground turned electric as Indian cricket’s two modern-day greats - Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli - put on a show that will be remembered for years. Fans had longed for a Hitman spectacle and a King classic. This time, they got both, not separately, but together in a partnership that defined class, dominance, and legacy.
The Aura of Legends
When Rohit walked out to bat, there was a calm sense of assurance - the familiar poise of the Hitman. Moments later, as Virat Kohli stepped onto the field for what was his final innings in Australia, the SCG erupted with emotion. Every cheer carried nostalgia; every run echoed the journey of two icons who have shaped an era of Indian cricket.
A Partnership to Remember
The Hitman and the King crafted a partnership that had everything - Rohit’s elegance and power, Kohli’s control and chase mastery, and the unspoken chemistry that fans have cherished for over a decade. Rohit brought up his 33rd ODI hundred, his 50th overall in international cricket, and his 9th against Australia - the most by any batter.
Most ODI Hundreds vs Australia
Tons Inns
Rohit 9 49
Sachin 9 70
Kohli 8 51
At the other end, Kohli remained unbeaten on 74, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, now only behind Sachin Tendulkar.
Most Runs in ODI History
Runs Inns
Sachin 18426 452
Kohli 14250 293
Sangakkara 14234 280
End of an Era, Legacy Forever
Their match-winning stand, the first 100-run partnership between them since 2020, took fans back to that iconic 2013 chase against Australia at home. From that day to this emotional farewell in Sydney, RoKo’s journey has mirrored India’s golden cricket era.
This was their 391st match together across formats, the joint-most for India. As the two legends walked off arm in arm, one thing was certain - whether it’s fitness, reflexes, or the hunger for runs - they were the same yesterday, they are the same today, and they will remain the same forever.
