Virat Kohli smacks Rohit Sharma on the backside with bat during Sydney ODI vs Australia

India National Cricket Team modern-day batting greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were part of an Oops moment during the third ODI match of the series against the Australia National Cricket Team.

The third and final ODI match of the series between Shubman Gill-led India and Mitchell Marsh-led Australia was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, October 25.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma show a batting masterclass in Sydney

The ODI series between India and Australia had a lot of hype surrounding it, mostly because of the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international cricket after a long time.

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However, the fans were unable to see the magic of Ro-Ko in the first match as both batters failed to perform and received heavy criticism. In the second match, Rohit Sharma stepped up and slammed a great 73 runs, but Kohli once again bagged a duck.

However, the wait for the duo to bat well together and build a tremendous partnership ended in the Sydney ODI. Rohit looked in a golden touch from ball one, and after the early dismissal of Shubman Gill, he was joined by Virat Kohli in the middle.

Together, they showcased a batting masterclass and punished the Australian bowlers while chasing 237 runs. They looked in full control and built a partnership of 168* runs in 170 balls, with Rohit smashing 121* runs and Kohli scoring 74* runs.

During their brilliant innings, Kohli came up with a playful act that quickly went viral on social media. Notably, he hilariously tapped Rohit Sharma, who was busy tying his shoelaces, on the backside with the bat.

Watch: Virat Kohli's playful act as he hits Rohit Sharma

pic.twitter.com/rKTe588zbd

— @ankaheenbatein (@bhavikasbae) October 25, 2025

It was vintage Rohit - Zaheer Khan

Speaking on Cricbuzz, pace-bowling legend Zaheer Khan lavished rich praise on Rohit and Virat Kohli for playing fantastic knocks. He said:

"It was important for both of them in more ways than one this series. There is no brushing aside the fact that the team will have a plan for the World Cup. It's just about what kind of hunger they have. All those things were also going to matter and today's display will just put all those discussions to rest. These two just took it to another level and it was chanceless."

"It was vintage Rohit. He was looking much more relaxed. That first boundary off Starc was the indication of what was coming. He looked in sublime touch. Virat as well was equally good. The first run celebration from Virat was just a release of all the pressure. It was just sending a positive signal to everyone."

Zaheer Khan further said that the Gautam Gambhir-led team management and selection committee should back Kohli and Rohit to play the 2027 World Cup. He elaborated:

"It's just about having enough faith and having a clear-cut strategy and plan. You can't see series by series. You just have to say, 'Okay, fine, this is where we are at, these two have been great servants for the Indian team. If this is what they want, let's just have the faith'. Just carry on with that and see where it takes you.

"Rohit's celebration (muted) indicated that it's not about proving a point. When you play, this is what you want to do - win games for your team and put on a great show. Ups and downs are part of it. From the planning point of view, you need to sit across with them and have the dialogue in all honesty and openness. And then figure out a plan."

Also Read: Shubman Gill sends ‘domestic cricket’ message to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli after Sydney ODI heroics