(Image source from: Timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Even though the cricket community was discussing the significant stress on Virat Kohli after he got out for zero runs in the first two ODIs of the Australia series, the 36-year-old seemed unfazed. The former captain approached the crease in the third and final ODI, which could be his last game in Australia, of the series in Sydney after India lost Shubman Gill to Josh Hazlewood. After hitting a straight ball for a quick run, Virat Kohli looked relieved, celebrating by punching the air in joy in a comical response. As the television cameras focused on him, Kohli was smiling and receiving cheers from fans who recognized his first runs in the series—his initial runs in international cricket for seven months. Kohli even glanced at his batting partner, Rohit Sharma, and shared a laugh after finally relieving the pressure.
The atmosphere in Sydney was festive, with the packed audience rising to their feet, providing Kohli a standing ovation as he stepped in to bat in the 11th over. Even the people at the Sydney Cricket Ground stood to cheer for the player who had excelled in batting in Australia for over a decade. Kohli became increasingly confident as he got on the score sheet and settled into his innings. He was sprinting briskly between the wickets and appeared more comfortable with the bat. He even struck a bouncer from Hazlewood for four runs after attempting to hit the ball through the off-side. The highlight of the match came in the 15th over when he made a flawless straight drive against Mitchell Starc, scoring a boundary. Fans at the SCG witnessed what they had hoped for as Rohit Sharma—possibly playing his last international game in Australia—and Virat Kohli formed a quick partnership.
Every run scored by Rohit and Kohli was met with cheers from the SCG crowd, which was largely made up of Indian supporters. An Australian commentator noted on air that he had never seen a crowd at the SCG so heavily in favor of India, cheering and celebrating for the two legends, who aim to continue playing until the 2027 World Cup.
