In a blistering riposte to Australia’s series dominance, Rohit Sharma unleashed pure carnage with an unbeaten 121, propelling India to a resounding nine-wicket demolition in the 3rd ODI against Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. The victory, though unable to salvage the 2-1 series loss, turned the tide dramatically and saw Rohit eclipse Virat Kohli’s long-standing record for the highest number of ODI centuries as a visiting player in Australia. Clocking his sixth such ton, Rohit now reigns supreme, leaving Kohli’s five in the rearview.
This wasn’t just another knock; it was a symphony of power and poise from the Indian captain, who toyed with Australia’s pace battery under the Sydney sun. Blasting his way to three figures in style, Rohit marked his 33rd ODI hundred overall—a testament to his unyielding hunger for big scores on foreign soil. Fans erupted as he surpassed the joint mark held by Kohli and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, all while equaling the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s nine ODI tons against the Aussies. At 38, Rohit is proving age is merely a number in his quest to redefine greatness.
The Hitman’s Rampage: A Record-Breaking Symphony Down Under
Picture this: Australia, fresh off clinching the series, post a gettable 236, thanks to a disciplined Indian bowling effort spearheaded by the promising Harshit Rana. But Rohit had other plans. Striding out after an early wobble, he forged an unbreakable 168-run stand with Kohli (74*), devouring just 170 deliveries to gun down the target in a mere 38.3 overs. Rohit’s innings? A fireworks display of 12 boundaries and five towering sixes, blending calculated risks with audacious pulls that left the SCG in awe.
“It’s always a thrill to boss games in Australia—the pitches bite, the crowds roar, but today, everything clicked,” Rohit reflected in the post-match huddle, his bat still echoing in the stands. This gem came in his 33rd innings on Aussie turf, underlining his predatory efficiency compared to Kohli’s 32 outings for one fewer ton. And that Sachin tie? It’s poetic—two Mumbai icons now locked at nine centuries apiece versus the world’s toughest opponents.
Breaking It Down: Elite Stats Spotlighting Rohit’s Aussie Dominance
Rohit’s surge catapults him to the pinnacle among overseas warriors in Australia. Dive into the numbers:
| Player | ODI Centuries in Australia | Innings Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma (India) | 6 | 33 |
| Virat Kohli (India) | 5 | 32 |
| Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 5 | 49 |
On the global stage for most ODI hundreds against one foe:
| Player | Centuries | Against |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli (India) | 10 | Sri Lanka |
| Virat Kohli (India) | 9 | West Indies |
| Sachin Tendulkar (India) | 9 | Australia |
| Rohit Sharma (India) | 9 | Australia |
These figures aren’t just digits; they’re chapters in cricket’s evolving lore, with Rohit scripting his own epic.
Match Highlights: From Aussie Total to Indian Onslaught
Australia’s innings flickered before settling at 236, with Rana’s raw pace and the spinners’ guile ensuring no fireworks from the hosts. A top-order collapse set the tone, and despite a fighting 80 from their engine room, India smelled blood.
The chase? Electric. After losing an opener cheaply, Rohit and Kohli scripted a masterclass—Rohit’s explosive lofts meshing seamlessly with Kohli’s silken square cuts and those hypnotic cover drives. The duo’s chemistry was electric, a blend of youth’s fire and veteran’s wisdom, turning potential pressure into a procession. As Rohit punched the winning runs through extra cover, the arena thundered; it felt like a series decider, not a dead rubber.
This triumph spared India a clean sweep, gifting the Sydney faithful a glimpse of what makes subcontinental cricket legendary: resilience wrapped in flair.
Horizon Ahead: Rohit’s Fire Fuels India’s Next Chapter
As the India vs Australia ODI series fades into memory, the T20 leg beckons, followed by a packed home calendar. Rohit’s red-hot streak—now laced with these twin records—positions India as perennial contenders. Will it ignite a fresh World Cup dream? Only time will tell, but one truth shines: the Hitman is reloading.
