Who is India’s real match-winner Down Under?

The focus will be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who return to the Indian team after a seven-month break in the upcoming ODI series against Australia. The two senior batsmen last represented the national team in the 2025 Champions Trophy in March; Here, India beat New Zealand in the final and secured the championship under Rohit’s leadership.

This tournament marked Rohit’s last appearance as India’s ODI captain; Subman Gill before the series against Australia. There has been a significant transformation in Indian cricket in the last seven months; Gill’s elevation to captain signaled the beginning of a new era. All eyes will be on Rohit and Kohli, who last joined competitive cricket in IPL 2025, as they aim to shake off the cobwebs and find their rhythm once again.

While the series in Australia presents a tough challenge for both players, the experienced duo will be eager to get back on the field against a team they have historically performed well against throughout their international careers. Kohli and Rohit have produced some memorable performances in Australia and boast impressive ODI records on Australian soil.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI numbers in Australia

When we analyze the ODI statistics of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Australia, it becomes clear that both the players have comparable numbers, which underlines their talent in the format. Rohit has amassed an impressive total of 1,328 runs in 30 ODIs in Australia, maintaining a remarkable average of 53.12 and a strike rate in excess of 90. The Hitman recorded five centuries and four fifties in ODIs Down Under.

He stands as the second highest run-scorer for India in ODIs in Australia, behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who has amassed 1491 runs in the format on Australian soil. Rohit has the opportunity to surpass Tendulkar’s all-time record in the upcoming three-match ODI series and needs just 164 runs to achieve the milestone.

Currently, Virat Kohli is closely trailing Rohit Sharma with an impressive average of 51.03 and a strike rate of 89.06, having amassed 1327 runs in 29 ODI matches played in Australia. His records cover five centuries and six fifties. Kohli is third among Indian batsmen to score the most runs in ODIs in Australia, while MS Dhoni, who has scored 1035 runs in 35 ODIs in the country, follows him at fourth place.

Kohli has the opportunity to surpass both Rohit and Sachin Tendulkar in the rankings of Indian players with the highest ODI runs in Australia in the upcoming series. Additionally, Kohli and Rohit will compete for the top spot in the prestigious list of Indian batsmen with the most ODI centuries in Australia. While both players currently share the lead with five centuries each, Tendulkar has only managed to score a century despite being the highest scorer for India in ODIs in Australia.

Also read| IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli look back at historic ODI achievements as India beat Australia Down Under