Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma respond to Ravi Shastri's 'old dogs' comment

Former India coach Ravi Shastri had a fitting remark for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after the star duo guided India to a convincing nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. After Australia were bundled out for 236 in 46.4 overs, India cruised to the target in 38.3 overs, led by an unbeaten century from Rohit and a composed half-century from Kohli. The win came even as India lost the three-match series 1-2.

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Pacer Harshit Rana starred with the ball, returning figures of 4/39, while Washington Sundar and Axar Patel also picked up key wickets. For Australia, Matt Renshaw (56) and Mitchell Marsh (41) were the main contributors with the bat. Rohit, who scored 121 not out off 125 balls, anchored India’s chase with his trademark timing and control. He first shared a 69-run stand with Shubman Gill (24) before combining with Kohli for an unbroken 168-run partnership that sealed the contest. Kohli remained unbeaten on 74 off 81 deliveries. Following the game, Shastri hailed the pair during the post-match chat, quipping, “You two old dogs still have a sting in the tail.”

Rohit smiled at the comment, replying, “Looks like it, yes. We enjoy our cricket, most importantly, no matter what accolades we've achieved. But it's important that whenever you get an opportunity to play, you've got to come and start fresh. And that's what we did when we arrived in Perth — forget what has happened in the last 15–17 years, we always wanted to start fresh, and that's how I personally look at all the games that I play.

I'm sure it'll be the same for Virat as well, but I enjoyed playing these three games.”

Their light-hearted relationship and match-winning stand capped a strong finish for India, marking another chapter in the long partnership between the two stalwarts.The duo also thanked the Australian crowd wholeheartedly before they bid adieu to the historic venue.