Rohit & Kohli Turned Back the Clock in Sydney; but How Long Can They Maintain It?

It was a trip down memory lane for Indian fans in Sydney in the third ODI vs Australia. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli turned back the clock to help India secure a consolation win and avoid a 3-0 whitewash. Having lost the Perth and Adelaide ODIs by seven and two wickets respectively, India won the third and final match. It was Shubman Gill’s first ODI win as skipper and saw ‘Hitman’ and ‘King’ add 169 runs for the second wicket as they saw the Men in Blue home with 69 balls to spare.

Rohit Sharma’s Calm and Collected Approach

Rohit continued where he left off in Adelaide. Having fallen for 73 in the previous game after making just eight in the first one, the former Indian captain slammed 121 not out from 125 balls. His innings contained 13 fours and three sixes. He hit his 33rd ODI ton and 50th in international cricket. Rohit is now the third Indian and 10th player overall to hit at least 50 centuries across formats. He also needs just three sixes to become the highest six-hitter in the format. Rohit also surpassed Sourav Ganguly to become the third highest Indian run-getter in ODIs. Not to mention drawing level with Sachin Tendulkar for most ODI tons vs Australia. It was a great return to form for ‘Hitman’ as people doubted his ability in the twilight of his career.

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Virat Kohli’s Welcome Return to Form

Kohli had been having a horrifying series after two consecutive ducks in the first two matches. He made up for it with a score of 74 not out in just 81 balls. In the process he also went past Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest ODI run-scorer. He also has 70 scores over 50 in run-chases, the most by any player. On the ODI runs list, he is second only to Sachin. It was a good return to form for ‘King’ as he proved that he may be past his prime but he is far from obsolete.

How Long Can Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Maintain This Form?

Now the question is, how long can these two keep it up? The 2027 ODI World Cup is still two years away. Both are fit but they have to fit time, form and also luck to make sure they are on the plane to South Africa. The performance in Sydney is a start but there is a long way to go with several games to go. The fact that they are playing just one format goes for and against them. It’s an advantage because it means Rohit and Kohli do not have the stress of multiple formats but it’s a problem as it means the lack of game time can go against them. Remember, they have already quit T20Is and Tests so an ODI retirement is equal to an international farewell.

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Amazing ODI Stats Belonging to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

As far as stats go, both have numbers to die for in ODIs. Rohit has batted 268 times in 276 games with 37 not-outs, an average of 49.22, a top score of 264 along with 33 100s plus 59 50s and 11,370 runs. Kohli has 293 innings under his belt from 305 outings that include 46 not-outs, an average of 57.71, a personal best of 183, 51 100s along with 75 50s plus 14,255 runs. Team India has been lucky to have the service of this duo for nearly two decades.

Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Play the 2027 ODI World Cup?

Their talent and skill are not in doubt. It matters how long they can keep it up for the next two years. If they are to play the World Cup such performances need to be the norm and not the exception. Only then will they fit into the scheme of things as far as the team management and selectors are concerned. So will we see Rohit and Kohli in the 2027 ODI World Cup? It’s certainly possible. Nothing is set in stone of course, so time will tell.