Rohit ends retirement rumours after match-winning century against Australia in Sydney: 'Love doing what I do, hope to...'

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were back at their absolute best on Saturday as they helped India collect a consolation victory in the third ODI against Australia in Sydney. Rohit remained unbeaten on 121, bringing up his 33rd ODI century after getting dismissed for 73 in the second one-dayer in Adelaide, while Kohli remained unbeaten on 74, bringing up his 75th fifty in the format and returning to form after back-to-back ducks.

The two stalwarts stitched together a mammoth unbroken second-wicket partnership worth 168 that helped the Men in Blue chase down the 237-run target set by Australia with nine wickets and more than 11 overs to spare.

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The three-match ODI series, which Australia won 2-1 after their victories in Perth and Adelaide, was widely marketed around Rohit and Kohli’s big return to the Indian dressing room after seven months. And while the two former captains and batting icons appeared a little rusty initially, they were back among the runs soon enough with Rohit collecting the Player of the Match as well as the Player of the Series cheques after finishing with 202 runs in three outings at the end of the third one-dayer.

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Both Rohit and Kohli have likely made their final appearance on Australian soil, with India not scheduled to travel Down Under in the near future. And ahead of the Australia white-ball tour, there were doubts over Ro-Ko’s future in the Indian team, with some even speculating that the ODI series in Australia could be their swansong.

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Rohit hints at unfinished business after match-winning ton in Sydney

Rohit and Kohli, however, have indicated that they intend to play the 50-over format until the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup in South Africa. And on Saturday, after silencing his doubters with a match-winning century at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Rohit added that it was important for him and Kohli – two of the senior-most members of the squad – to pass on their knowledge to the next generation the way their seniors did for them.

“When I came into the squad, I remember how seniors helped us, it’s now our job to do the same. Never easy playing in Australia, just abroad. We need to share our experience, help them create game plans. I still go back to basics in Australia all these years. It’s something I need to pass on. I love playing in Australia in general. I’ve had a decent memory in SCG - great pitch, ground and crowd. I love doing what I do and hope to continue to do that,” Rohit said during the post-match presentation, hinting at the fact that while he has retired from Tests and T20Is, he’s not bidding ODIs goodbye anytime soon.

‘Lot of positives’ for Team India in ODI series, says ‘Hitman’

Rohit added that he was in a positive frame of mind coming into the series, having put in a lot of work in a training session at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park ahead of the trip Down Under, while added that there were positives for India from the ODI leg of the tour despite losing the series.

“You expect tough conditions in Australia. Quality bowlers. Gotta understand things and try your best. Haven’t played for a long time, good prep. Slightly confident coming in. We couldn’t win the series - will still take a lot of positives. Young side, there will be a lot of learnings for them,” added the ‘Hitman’, who was India’s captain in Tests as well as ODIs until earlier this year.

The T20I series against Australia gets underway in Canberra on Wednesday with Suryakumar Yadav continuing to lead the Indian team in the shortest format for now after Test captain Shubman Gill’s take over in ODIs.

Rohit and Kohli, meanwhile, will next be seen in action in the ODI series against South Africa at home that takes place between 30 November and 6 December.