Follow UsVirat Kohli’s return to international cricket could hardly have begun worse. Making his comeback after a break since March, the right-hander endured back-to-back ducks in Perth and Adelaide - the first time in his ODI career he had been dismissed for zero in consecutive innings.
So, when the 36-year-old walked out to bat in the third ODI against Australia in Sydney on October 25 (Saturday), the pressure couldn’t have been higher. But champions don’t stay down for long - and Kohli reminded everyone exactly why he’s still India’s heartbeat in chases.
Tasked with a target of 237, Kohli looked as assured as ever, crafting an unbeaten 74 off 81 deliveries with seven fours. His calm, calculated knock guided India to a commanding nine-wicket win with more than 11 overs remaining.
Speaking to former India head coach Ravi Shastri and ex-Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist after the match, Kohli reflected on his struggles and the thrill of chasing.
“Good to be out of the pond. You might've played international cricket for a long time, but the game shows you ways (on his ducks in the first two games). Almost 37 (years old) in the next few days, but chasing always brings the best out of me, nice to have a big match-winning partnership (with Rohit),” said Kohli.
While Kohli’s return to form grabbed attention, it was captain Rohit Sharma who took center stage with a sublime hundred. After a scratchy 73 off 97 in Adelaide, Rohit bounced back in style, smashing 121* off 125 balls, laced with 13 fours and three sixes.
Together, the two stalwarts stitched an unbeaten 168-run stand - their 12th partnership of 150 or more in ODIs, equaling the record held by Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly. With 5483 runs between them, Kohli and Rohit also sit third on the list of most prolific ODI pairs, behind Tendulkar-Ganguly (8227) and Sangakkara-Jayawardene (5992).
“I think from early on, we've understood the situation well, that's what we've always done well (as a pair), we're probably the most experienced pair now, but back in the day when we were young - we knew we could take the game away from them with big partnerships," added Kohli.
“I think it all started in 2013 (the home series against Australia), if we put up a big partnership, play around 20 overs, we know we'll go a long way in helping the team win and even the opposition realise it.”
The attention now turns to the five-match T20I series starting October 29. Meanwhile, Kohli and Rohit are expected to return to action later for the three-match home ODI series against South Africa beginning November 30.