After a couple of disastrous outings earlier in the series, Virat Kohli reminded the cricketing world why he is still regarded as the heartbeat of Indian cricket. The talismanic batter roared back to form in Sydney, guiding India to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third and final ODI on Saturday.
Kohli’s trademark elegance was on full display as he stitched a match-winning 168-run partnership with captain Rohit Sharma. The duo made Australia’s 236-run target look effortless, combining precision and power in a chase that felt like a vintage India masterclass.
Rohit Sharma remained unbeaten on a majestic 121*, while Kohli’s classy 74* — studded with seven boundaries — silenced critics who had begun to doubt his rhythm after two consecutive ducks earlier in the series. However, the most heartwarming moment of the evening came after the final ball had been bowled.
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As Virat Kohli walked around the Sydney Cricket Ground, acknowledging the cheering crowd, he noticed an Indian fan accidentally drop the national flag onto the ground. In an instant, the ever-patriotic Kohli stopped, picked up the flag, and handed it back with a smile — a gesture that spoke volumes about his pride, humility, and unwavering respect for his nation.
India’s 🇮🇳 flag above anything else 🫡❤️🔥
That’s our Virat Kohli 🫡#AUSvsIND— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) October 25, 2025
This poignant act quickly went viral, symbolizing the spirit of a man who represents India not just through his runs but through his values. On the field, Kohli also achieved a monumental milestone, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s combined white-ball tally of 18,369 runs (ODIs + T20Is) — an achievement that further cements his legacy as perhaps the greatest white-ball batter of all time.
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With this emphatic win, India not only ended the series on a high but also witnessed the revival of their cricketing maestro — Virat Kohli, the symbol of resilience, pride, and excellence.
