Australia vs India 3rd ODI 2025: Rohit–Kohli Shine as India Crushes Australia by 9 Wickets in Sydney
A Memorable Turnaround for Team India and Possibly a Farewell to Two Legends
The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) turned into a celebration of Indian cricket brilliance as India defeated Australia by nine wickets in the third and final ODI of the 2025 series. After two disappointing outings in the first and second ODIs, the Men in Blue bounced back with a commanding victory, reminding the world why Indian cricket continues to inspire billions of fans globally.
For many spectators, this wasn’t just another ODI. It was a nostalgic moment, a possible farewell match for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on Australian soil — two modern legends who have defined an era of Indian batting.
Let’s take a detailed look at the game, its highlights, the emotional undertones, and what this victory means for India’s cricketing roadmap ahead.
🏏 The Match Overview: India’s Redemption Story
After losing the first two ODIs, India entered the third match under immense pressure — not for the series result, which was already decided, but for pride and confidence. Australia, on the other hand, looked relaxed but perhaps a little complacent.
Opting to bat first, Australia managed only 236 runs, bowled out in 47.4 overs. The pitch had some early movement, and India’s bowlers capitalized beautifully. Harshit Rana, one of India’s rising fast-bowling stars, delivered a dream spell — 4 wickets for 39 runs — setting the tone for the match.
Chasing 237, India made it look effortless. Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 121, playing classic cover drives and elegant pull shots, while Virat Kohli anchored with a calm 74*. Their partnership of 168 runs was a masterclass in composure, experience, and partnership cricket.
With this victory, India avoided a 3–0 whitewash and ended the series 2–1 — a result that, while favoring Australia overall, gave India immense momentum heading into the upcoming T20I series.
🎯 Key Performers Who Stole the Show
1. Rohit Sharma – The Captain’s Masterclass
Rohit Sharma’s innings was nothing short of vintage. The Indian skipper looked in complete control from the start, timing his shots with surgical precision. His 121* (off 114 balls) included 11 fours and 4 sixes, many of which were trademark Rohit pull shots over midwicket.
What stood out was not just the runs but the intent. Rohit’s body language suggested determination — a clear message that he wasn’t leaving Sydney without a win. For a captain under scrutiny after the first two losses, this innings reestablished his leadership and batting prowess.
2. Virat Kohli – The Comeback King
After two back-to-back ducks earlier in the series, Kohli’s 74* was redemption written all over. His first run — celebrated with a cheeky grin and a fist pump — went viral across social media, showing his passion and humor even under pressure.
Kohli’s innings was patient yet fluent. He rotated the strike efficiently, built momentum steadily, and ensured no hiccups during the chase. It was a classic Kohli performance — elegant, emotional, and effective.
3. Harshit Rana – India’s New Bowling Gem
Harshit Rana’s 4/39 was the breakthrough India needed. His consistent line and length troubled the Australian top order, dismissing key batters early. With every wicket, his confidence grew, and by the time he took his fourth scalp, he had stamped his authority as one of India’s brightest fast-bowling prospects.
4. Washington Sundar – Spin with Substance
Washington Sundar supported the pace attack beautifully, taking 2 wickets for 44 runs in his 10 overs. His economical spells in the middle overs prevented Australia from building partnerships, forcing risky shots that led to dismissals.
🏟️ The Emotional Layer: A Farewell in Sydney?
For fans, the real story wasn’t just about numbers or wickets. It was about the emotions wrapped around this game.
According to Reuters, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might have played their final ODI on Australian soil, making this match more than just a win — it was a symbolic farewell to two giants who have carried Indian cricket through the last decade.
The crowd at SCG — a mix of Australians and a sea of Indian supporters — gave both players standing ovations. Kohli’s smile after reaching fifty and Rohit’s raised bat to the crowd felt like cinematic moments, fitting for two legends who’ve defined Indian cricket abroad.
⚙️ Team Changes and Strategy Shifts
India made two critical changes before the third ODI:
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Kuldeep Yadav came in for the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was ruled out due to a quadriceps injury sustained in the previous match.
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Prasidh Krishna replaced Arshdeep Singh to add more pace depth.
These changes turned out to be smart. Kuldeep added variety with his left-arm spin, while Prasidh’s pace supported Harshit Rana effectively. The overall bowling attack looked balanced, aggressive, and confident — something missing in the first two ODIs.
💥 Australia’s Struggle: A Case of Missed Opportunities
Australia, despite winning the series, will feel disappointed with their performance in this match. Their top order failed to capitalize on a good batting pitch.
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Travis Head (41) and Marnus Labuschagne (52) were the only ones who looked comfortable.
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Steve Smith, David Warner, and Glenn Maxwell fell cheaply, unable to adjust to the disciplined Indian attack.
The lower order tried to add some respectability to the score, but once Rana struck in the middle overs, the innings lost momentum. The team’s inability to rotate strike and build long partnerships proved costly.
💬 Social Media Buzz and Fan Reactions
As soon as India clinched the victory, social media exploded with reactions. The hashtags #RohitSharma, #ViratKohli, and #INDvsAUS trended globally on X (formerly Twitter).
Fans celebrated Kohli’s playful gesture after his first run, with memes and emotional posts flooding platforms like Reddit and Instagram. One Reddit user summed it up perfectly:
“This win felt poetic. Kohli and Rohit walking off unbeaten — like a chapter closing with a smile.”
Cricket fans around the world echoed that sentiment, calling the match “a perfect blend of skill, nostalgia, and grace.”
🔍 Why This Match Is Trending in Australia
Even though Australia lost, the buzz across Australian media is undeniable. Here’s why the “Australia vs India 3rd ODI” is trending nationwide:
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Rohit–Kohli farewell narrative – Two cricketing legends possibly signing off from ODIs in Australia.
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India’s fightback – A strong comeback after two losses, proving resilience and tactical brilliance.
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Balanced performance – Unlike previous matches, India’s bowling and batting clicked together.
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Fan moments – Kohli’s cheeky celebration and Rohit’s captain’s knock added emotional depth.
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Impact on future series – The win gives India momentum for the upcoming T20I clashes.
📈 What’s Next for Both Teams?
For India:
The focus now shifts to the T20I series, where a younger squad is expected to feature. The ODI win not only lifts morale but also gives confidence to emerging players.
If this truly was Rohit and Kohli’s final ODI in Australia, they’ve passed the baton in style — with a performance that echoes their legacy.
For Australia:
Australia, despite the loss, remains a formidable side. Their key challenge moving forward will be maintaining consistency and managing player workloads. With the World Cup cycle approaching, depth and rotation will be key focus areas.
🌏 Final Thoughts: More Than a Win
The Australia vs India 3rd ODI 2025 will be remembered not just for the scoreboard but for the stories it told — of redemption, legacy, and sportsmanship.
India’s nine-wicket win at the SCG was a statement — that experience and class never fade. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli reminded everyone why they’re called legends. Harshit Rana announced himself as the future. And for fans, it was pure cricketing joy — the kind that makes every ball, every cheer, every memory worth it.
As the lights dimmed at the Sydney Cricket Ground, one couldn’t help but feel it — this wasn’t just a win; it was a celebration of Indian cricket’s heart and soul.
