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Kohli and Rohit Eye Historic Feats Against Australia

In the world of cricket, there are partnerships that make history, and then there are individuals who etch their names in the annals of the game. India’s talismanic duo, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, fall into the latter category. As they prepare to grace the field for the 3rd and final One Day International (ODI) against Australia, these two stalwarts stand on the cusp of a historic milestone that could match the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record.

The first two ODIs of the series against Australia saw India triumph, a testament to the depth and talent within the Indian squad. However, what adds more intrigue to the upcoming third match is the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the playing XI. Having been rested for the initial encounters, their presence is expected to inject renewed vigor and experience into the team’s lineup. While this third ODI may be a ‘dead rubber’ in terms of the series result, it offers the Indian team management a brilliant opportunity to fine-tune the exact combination they intend to deploy in the upcoming World Cup, scheduled for next month.

The Pursuit of Records

Beyond the team’s ambitions, there’s a personal quest that’s garnered significant attention. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both known for their prowess in limited-overs cricket, have traditionally dominated against Australia in ODIs. These two modern-day legends boast impressive records against the Aussies, with both maintaining batting averages above 50 while amassing over 2000 runs in ODIs against them.

Rohit Sharma has been a thorn in Australia’s side, accumulating 2251 runs at an impressive average of 59.2. Notably, he scripted history by scoring his first-ever double hundred against Australia in ODIs back in 2013. With an average that ranks second (59.2) among all batters with 1000+ runs against Australia in ODIs, Rohit has consistently proven his mettle.

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, is equally formidable against the Australian team. His tally of 2172 runs at an average of 53.0 underscores his consistency and ability to perform at the highest level. Kohli has the fourth-best batting average (53.0) among players who have scored over 1000 runs against Australia in ODIs.

A Shared Feat Beckons

What makes their return to the playing XI all the more fascinating is the prospect of Kohli and Rohit jointly achieving a remarkable feat. Both have scored eight centuries against Australia in ODIs, and they find themselves just one century away from equaling the record for the most centuries by a player against Australia in ODIs. This record currently belongs to the cricketing legend, Sachin Tendulkar, who notched up nine centuries against the Aussies in ODIs during his illustrious career.

Chasing the Sixes Record

But the pursuit of records doesn’t stop there. Virat Kohli, often hailed as one of the best chasers in modern cricket, is closing in on a remarkable milestone in international cricket. He has already smashed 545 sixes across all formats, leaving him a mere nine sixes away from becoming the player with the most sixes in international cricket.

On the other hand, Rohit Sharma’s reputation for clearing boundary ropes with effortless elegance is well-established. He holds the record for hitting the most sixes (78) against Australia in ODIs and ranks second in terms of the most sixes by a player against any opposition in one-day cricket.

Kohli’s Love Affair with Australia

Virat Kohli’s affinity for playing against Australia is no secret. The talismanic batsman has consistently excelled against the Australians, amassing over 5,000 runs in international cricket against them. He stands as one of only three players to achieve the remarkable milestone of 5000+ runs against a single opposition.

Kohli’s quest for records doesn’t end with this series. With a total of 47 centuries in ODIs, he has a shot at breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most centuries in this format. Tendulkar took 451 innings to score 49 centuries, while Virat, who has already scored 47 centuries, has done so in just 267 innings. The upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 could provide the stage for Kohli to etch his name in history as the batsman with the most centuries in ODI cricket.

In Conclusion

As India prepares to take on Australia in the 3rd ODI, all eyes will be on the dynamic duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Their return to the playing XI not only bolsters India’s chances in the match but also presents the cricketing world with the tantalizing prospect of witnessing history in the making. Can they equal Sachin Tendulkar’s record of centuries against Australia, and will Virat Kohli become the player with the most sixes in international cricket? Cricket enthusiasts and fans around the world eagerly await the answers as these two cricketing giants strive to etch their names in the annals of the sport.