As Virat Kohli walked out to bat at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, October 25, 2025, the air crackled with something rare in modern sport: collective reverence. Australian commentators, usually sharp-tongued and fiercely partisan, fell silent for a beat—then erupted. “The King is about to arrive!” declared one voice on Fox Cricket, capturing a moment that felt less like an ODI and more like a coronation .
What followed wasn’t just another innings. It was a farewell etched in milestones, grit, and grace.
Virat Kohli’s Final Australian Innings: A Legacy Sealed
Kohli’s unbeaten 74 in the third ODI against Australia may not have been his highest score, but it was arguably one of his most significant. With that knock, he officially became the second-highest run-scorer in ODI historyall-time leading run-scorer in combined limited-overs internationals (ODIs + T20Is), ahead of even Sachin Tendulkar .
And he did it in style—anchoring a chase of 237 alongside Rohit Sharma’s blistering 121*, sealing a nine-wicket win with 69 balls to spare.
Australian Commentators Break Protocol
Known for their dry wit and occasional sledging, Aussie broadcasters turned poetic. “You don’t just watch Kohli—you witness him,” said former Test captain Michael Clarke in the commentary box. “Even in his last innings here, he’s teaching young batters how to absorb pressure.”
Another commentator added: “He’s not just India’s king. He’s cricket’s.”
For a nation that once booed him during the 2018-19 series, the shift was telling. Respect, it seems, is earned not just through runs—but through relentless excellence over 15 years.
By the Numbers: Kohli’s Limited-Overs Dominance
| Format | Runs | Centuries | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 13,802+ | 50 | 2nd (after Tendulkar) |
| T20Is | 4,037 | 1 | 1st all-time |
| Combined LOIs | 17,839+ | 51 | 1st in history |
The Emotional Weight of a ‘Last Dance’
Though neither Kohli nor BCCI has confirmed retirement, signs point to this being his final white-ball series in Australia. At 36, with eyes on the 2026 T20 World Cup and beyond, this SCG innings carried the quiet weight of goodbye.
After the match, he lingered at the crease, tapping his heart and looking up at the Indian fans in the stands. No grand speech—just a silent thank you.
RoKo One Last Time: A Partnership for the Ages
His 168-run stand with Rohit Sharma wasn’t just match-winning—it was symbolic. Two legends, once rivals, now allies, closing a chapter together. As they embraced mid-pitch, even Australian fans rose in applause.
“That’s not just cricket,” said a fan on X. “That’s history holding hands.”
What’s Next for the King?
With the Champions Trophy looming and IPL 2026 on the horizon, Kohli shows no signs of slowing. But if this was indeed his last knock on Australian soil, he left not with a whisper—but with a roar of respect from friend and foe alike.