Rohit Sharma once again proved why he remains one of India’s premier batters, leaving fans and pundits buzzing after the conclusion of India’s three-match ODI series against Australia. Despite India falling 1-2 in the series Down Under, Rohit’s stellar performance in the final ODI earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, underlining his undiminished class and leadership on the field.
In a cryptic social media post, Rohit shared a striking image of himself at Sydney Airport, captioned: “One last time, signing off from Sydney.” The brief message has sparked widespread speculation – is this a farewell to playing in Australia, or a subtle hint at a new chapter in his career?
One last time, signing off from Sydney 👊 pic.twitter.com/Tp4ILDfqJm
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) October 26, 2025
Rohit’s innings in the third ODI was nothing short of a masterclass. He scored an unbeaten 121 off 125 deliveries, guiding India through a tricky 237-run chase in tandem with Virat Kohli, who contributed 74 not out. Together, they stitched an unbroken 168-run partnership that kept India in contention.
This century marked Rohit’s 50th international hundred – 12 in Tests, 33 in ODIs, and five in T20Is – making him the only batter to register five or more centuries across all formats. It was also his 33rd ODI century, ninth against Australia, and sixth on Australian soil, equalling Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most hundreds by an Indian against the hosts.
Reflecting on the series, Rohit said, “It’s not going to be easy; the bowlers are quality. We couldn’t win the series, but there are plenty of positives to take. It’s our job now to guide the younger players and set the right example.” His consistency throughout the tour was remarkable, amassing 202 runs at an average of 101, including a 73 in Adelaide and a quieter eight in Perth, demonstrating his adaptability across conditions.
Rohit also highlighted the importance of mentorship, adding, “Seniors helped us when we started; now it’s our turn to support the youngsters and focus on the basics.” With both Rohit and Kohli stepping away from Tests and T20Is, their ODI futures remain a topic of speculation. Yet, their on-field understanding continues to shine, as Saturday’s partnership rescued India from a series whitewash.
Rohit concluded with heartfelt words for Australian cricket, “I love playing in Australia — the grounds, the crowd, the challenges. I hope to continue performing and creating memories that will stay with me forever.”
