'ROKO' are back': Fans rejoice at Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli's unbeatable partnership in Aus Vs Ind 3rd ODI

It was one of those nights when nostalgia met brilliance. Under the glowing Sydney lights, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli reminded everyone, especially the Australian crowd, why they are still the heartbeat of Indian cricket. India may have already lost the series 2-1, but this nine-wicket win in the third ODI felt like a grand finale, not a consolation.

Chasing Australia’s modest total of 236, India made it look like a walk in the park. The scoreboard read 237/1 with almost 12 overs to spare, but the numbers only tell half the story. The real magic lay in watching Rohit and Virat bat together again, effortlessly reviving memories of a partnership that once ruled the cricketing world.

Rohit’s 121* and Kohli’s unbeaten 74 were a masterclass in timing, temperament, and trust. Their unbroken 168-run stand lit up the SCG and the internet alike, marking what could be their final outing together on Australian soil.

From Early Blows to Commanding Chase

The day began with Australia opting to bat first, hoping to seal the series 3-0. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head gave them a steady start, but India’s bowlers soon took control. Harshit Rana, the young pacer who has quietly been building a name for himself, tore through the middle order with figures of 4/39. Washington Sundar supported him beautifully, tightening the screws with sharp spells.

At one point, Australia were comfortably placed at 183/3, but once Matt Renshaw (56) departed, the innings crumbled. Shreyas Iyer’s spectacular running catch to dismiss Alex Carey summed up India’s energy in the field, though it came at a cost, as Iyer appeared to hurt himself in the process. Australia eventually folded for 236 in 46.4 overs.

In reply, India began with intent. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill set the tone early, racing to a 69-run stand before Gill was dismissed for 24. From there, it was the RoKo show. Every stroke carried assurance, every glance was familiar. It felt like the old days again when India’s chase master and hitman would silently dismantle oppositions, one boundary at a time.

Rohit’s innings wasn’t without luck, he survived a close call when a mistimed pull nearly fell into Josh Hazlewood’s hands. Hazlewood dived forward but couldn’t complete the catch and later walked off with an injury. From that moment, Rohit’s fortune turned. He cruised through the innings, bringing up his century in style. Kohli, after two consecutive ducks earlier in the series, returned to form with a fluent 74*, ending the game with a trademark boundary.

Fans Celebrate the RoKo Legacy

The internet exploded as soon as Rohit and Virat started finding rhythm. #RoKo trended across social media, with fans posting throwback clips, memes, and emotional tributes. “The two stalwarts of Indian cricket,” one fan wrote. Another said, “Humne do formats chhode hai, par dil jeetna abhi bhi jaante hain.”

After the match, both players shared heartfelt messages, hinting that this might have been their last appearance in Australia. Rohit Sharma smiled as he recalled old memories, saying, “Always love coming here. Don’t know if we’ll be back, but we’ve always enjoyed playing in Australia. Games like these remind you why you love the sport.”

Kohli echoed the sentiment with equal warmth. “It’s always special batting with Rohit. When we’re out there together, it just clicks. From 2013 to now, we’ve always believed that if we batted 20 overs together, the game would tilt in our favour. The crowd here has been incredible, we’ve played some of our best cricket in this country,” he said, waving to a standing ovation at the SCG.

As the crowd rose to their feet, cheering the duo one last time in Australia, Kohli struck the winning boundary, a poetic full stop to a partnership that has defined an era.

The End of an Era?

The scoreboard may read India 237/1, victory by nine wickets, but this win carried more emotion than numbers could express. It wasn’t just about a clinical chase or a stunning partnership. It was about legacy, companionship, and the joy of seeing two of India’s greatest batters rediscover their rhythm together.

Whether this truly was their final game in Australia remains to be seen. But for fans across the world, it felt like a farewell performance, one that celebrated everything Rohit and Virat have given to Indian cricket: class, consistency, and countless memories.

As the lights dimmed at the SCG, “RoKo” had done it again, reminded everyone why cricket, at its heart, is as much about emotion as it is about runs and wickets.