Virat Kohli won hearts with a patriotic gesture at Sydney Cricket Ground after spotting an Indian flag dropped on the ground by a fan. The 36-year-old quickly picked up the tri-colour and handed it back while speaking to the supporter, with the moment going viral on social media. This came after Kohli's match-winning 74-run knock against Australia, ending his seven-month international cricket hiatus following two consecutive ducks. His 168-run partnership with Rohit Sharma, who scored 121, secured India's nine-wicket victory. Kohli also broke records, becoming ODI cricket's second-highest run-getter and surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's white-ball cricket tally, likely marking his final Australian appearance.

Virat Kohli roared back to form in Sydney's third ODI against Australia, scoring a half-century in his 305th ODI appearance after two consecutive ducks. With 70 fifty-plus scores in ODI chases, Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar's world record of 69. He also surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history with 14,235 runs in just 293 innings, trailing only Tendulkar's 18,426 runs from 452 innings. Kohli celebrated his first run with a fist pump, acknowledging mounting pressure. Former cricketer Irfan Pathan had urged Kohli to focus on strike rotation, noting that once he starts rotating strikes well, opposition teams struggle to stop him. (PC: X) 

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli delivered a memorable farewell in Sydney, with the SCG packed despite the dead rubber. Rohit scored an unbeaten 121 marking his 33rd ODI century while Kohli remained 74 not out as their 168-run partnership secured India's victory. The crowd, dominated by Indian supporters, gave standing ovations with "Here for Ro-Ko" banners everywhere. Kohli faced retirement speculation after consecutive ducks in Perth and Adelaide, making his first run in seven months significant. Rohit, who shed 11 kilograms for his comeback, finished with an ODI average of 90.80 in Sydney. Both legends, who endured disappointing Test farewells earlier, left Australian soil with the send-off they deserved.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli produced a batting masterclass in Sydney, leading India to a 9-wicket win over Australia. Rohit scored an unbeaten 121, while Kohli made 74 not out, sharing a 164-run partnership to chase 237 with 11.3 overs left. Their superb show also signaled intent to play in the 2027 World Cup. Earlier, fast bowler Harshit Rana took four wickets as Australia were bowled out for 236. The Sydney crowd gave an emotional farewell to the two legends, chanting “Thank you, Rohit” and “Thank you, Virat.” The win helped India avoid a 3-0 series whitewash. (PC: BCCI)

Rohit Sharma achieved a remarkable career milestone by registering his 50th international century, equalling the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record for India. The landmark knock came in a key match, underscoring Sharma’s consistency across formats—Tests, ODIs and T20Is. His feat not only places him among the elite globally but also highlights his longevity and adaptability in international cricket. While celebrating the milestone, many noted Sharma still has room to write his own chapter in the record books rather than merely replicating past greats. (PC: BCCI)  

Two female players from the Australian squad participating in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 were allegedly followed on a motorcycle and one was inappropriately touched while walking towards a café near their hotel in Indore on October 23. The accused, identified as Akhil Khan, was arrested by local police after a bystander noted the bike’s number plate. An FIR was filed under sections 74 (outraging a woman’s modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The incident has raised serious concerns about security arrangements for international athletes in India.     

Pakistan’s junior men’s hockey team has officially pulled out of the 2025 Men’s FIH Junior Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in Chennai and Madurai, India from 28 November to 10 December. The decision comes months after Pakistan skipped the Asia Cup, citing security and diplomatic concerns. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed Pakistan’s withdrawal and said a replacement team will be announced shortly. Pakistan’s federation has called for either a neutral venue or assurance of inclusive participation, highlighting the impact of bilateral tensions on sport. (PC: Instagram)  

During the second ODI between India and Australia, former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh stirred speculation by asking aloud whether Ajit Agarkar — the current chairman of selectors for BCCI — had been replaced, and if Ravi Shastri was the new appointee. Shastri firmly denied the claim, labeling it “fake news” and refuting the unverified source of Waugh’s remark. Meanwhile, the Indian team’s struggle in Adelaide — notably Virat Kohli’s consecutive ducks and early fall of Shubman Gill — added to the pressure on selectors. (PC: PTI)  

Rohit Sharma scored 73 runs in India’s second ODI against Australia at Adelaide Oval. Despite India losing, his innings showed he still has the drive to perform at the highest level. After the match, India head coach Gautam Gambhir jokingly told Rohit that fans thought it was his farewell match and suggested taking a photo. Fans were relieved by the light-hearted remark. Former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar praised Rohit’s resilience, saying his fighting innings under pressure showed determination and grit. Rohit continues to prove he remains a key player for India in tough conditions.

In the second ODI against Australia at Adelaide Oval, Indian captain Rohit Sharma etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first Asian batter to hit 150 sixes across SENA nations — South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia. Rohit scored a crucial 73 runs off 97 balls, also surpassing Sourav Ganguly’s ODI record to become India’s second-highest run-scoring opener with 9,190 runs. Although India lost the match narrowly, Rohit’s milestone reinforced his dominance and consistency on foreign pitches. Fans and cricket legends hailed the achievement as a remarkable feat in modern cricket. (PC: NDTV)