The final ODI between India and Australia will be played in Sydney, a city famous for its bright harbour, iconic Opera House and the towering Harbor Bridge that stretches across the waters. Sydney is a city full of life, color and culture – a place that never stands still and often becomes the stage for sporting drama.
For Indian cricket, Sydney has always been a city of memories, both happy and painful. It holds special significance for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) was where their Test career ended earlier this year. Now, as they return in blue for what could be their final ODI in Australia, the city once again represents a potential turning point in their travels.
When Rohit and Kohli walked out of the SCG after the last Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, little did anyone know that it would be their last appearance in white. There were no grand farewells or celebrations – just two legends quietly leaving the field, leaving behind years of hard work, dedication and success in the longest format of the game.
Now they return to the same ground and thoughts that this could be their last game cannot be avoided. Could Sydney also become the place where their ODI journeys end?
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli share a long and proud history in Australia. Some of their best performances have come on these pitches, against the toughest bowlers in the world, under the brightest lights.
For Virat Kohli, Australia has always brought out the best in him. His twin wickets in Adelaide in 2014 almost led India to a famous Test victory and his passion during that series revealed a new, fearless side to Indian cricket. Four years later, he led India to their first Test series win in Australia – a moment forever linked to his legacy as captain.
Rohit Sharma also found his breakthrough in Australia. His 171 not out at the WACA in Perth in 2016 remains one of the best one-day innings by an Indian abroad – a master class in timing and patience against fast bowlers on one of the fastest pitches in the world. Three years later, he scored a brilliant 133 at the SCG, proving once again that he can dominate anywhere.
Together, the two have taken Indian cricket through some of its greatest moments overseas. Their composure under pressure, hunger for big runs and ability to handle Australian conditions inspired a generation of cricketers.
With Shubman Gill now leading India in ODIs, he is entering a new phase. The young captain represents the future while Rohit and Kohli bring experience and leadership from the past. It is a period of transition for Indian cricket.
Rohit has shown flashes of form in the current series but has struggled to convert starts into big scores. Kohli, meanwhile, is still finding his rhythm after returning to international cricket after a long break. Two early dismissals in the series did little to boost his confidence.
For both the players, the Sydney ODI is more than just another game. It’s a chance to prove that they still belong, that their hunger and skills remain as strong as ever. While India’s focus may be shifting towards the next generation, experience still matters most in matches like this one.
SYDNEY EXPECTS: THE LAST BATTLE
As the Indian team bus makes its way through the familiar streets near the SCG, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be acutely aware of what is at stake. It may not be a World Cup final or a title decider, but it has a deeper meaning for them. It could be their last time playing in Australia – a place that has shaped so many of their cricketing journeys.
If they score here, it will remind everyone why they are among the best to ever wear the Indian jersey. If they don’t deliver, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the BCCI head coach and selectors exploring options other than Kohli and Rohit.
The SCG has already witnessed their farewell to Test cricket. Now it can watch as they close the next chapter of their illustrious career.
For fans, the hope is simple: to see them end their Australian chapter on a high, with one last great performance under the Sydney lights. Whatever happens, Sydney will once again be the city that tests them, challenges them and perhaps ultimately determines how their story in Australia closes.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
October 24, 2025
