Virat Kohli Last Match at SCG: Emotional Farewell as Commentators Cry

Commentators and fans teary-eyed as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli deliver masterclass in possibly final Australian appearance

The Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed an emotionally charged evening on October 25, 2025, as cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma delivered what could be their final performances on Australian soil. The match transcended mere statistics, becoming a poignant celebration of two careers that have defined modern cricket, with commentators visibly moved and fans cherishing every moment of a historic night.

In a masterful display of batting prowess, the duo guided India to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Australia, but it was the overwhelming emotion surrounding their potentially last dance in Australia that captured hearts worldwide. Rohit Sharma reflected emotionally on their possibly last innings in Australia, calling Sydney a great place with great memories, while Kohli acknowledged that chasing brings the best out of him.

Emotional Commentary Box: Broadcasters Struggle to Hold Back Tears

During a rare joint interview with Adam Gilchrist and Ravi Shastri after the match, both Rohit and Kohli appeared overcome with emotion as they reflected on their Australian journey. The post-match presentation ceremony became an unforgettable moment as the broadcasting legends conducting interviews themselves struggled to maintain composure while speaking with the departing icons.

Rohit told the broadcasters: “I’ve always loved coming here. I enjoy playing cricket here in Australia. Fond memories of 2008, and nice way to finish, getting that knock and getting that win as well. I don’t know if we’ll be coming back to Australia, but it was fun all these years that we played here”. The uncertainty in his voice and the weight of finality hung heavy in the air as commentators and fans processed the magnitude of what they were witnessing.

The emotional intensity peaked when Rohit appeared teary-eyed after reaching his 33rd ODI century, looking skyward and raising his bat gently as the Sydney crowd rose to its feet chanting his name. Standing beside Virat Kohli at the non-striker’s end, who applauded his long-time partner, the moment crystallized years of shared battles, triumphs, and an unbreakable bond forged across cricket’s greatest stages.

Standing Ovation: SCG Erupts for Kohli’s Arrival

When Virat Kohli walked out to bat in Sydney, the crowd gave him the best possible reception in what could be his last game for India on Australian soil, with the SCG standing up to give him a huge round of applause as he joined Rohit Sharma in the middle. The atmosphere was electric yet tinged with melancholy, as 40,587 spectators—predominantly Indian supporters—recognized they might be witnessing the final chapter of an extraordinary story.

After suffering consecutive ducks in the first two matches of the series, Kohli got off the mark with his first ball and the SCG crowd erupted to honor what could be the champion’s final match in Australia. Kohli celebrated getting off the mark with a little smile and clenched fist, the relief and joy evident on his face. This simple moment—a single run—carried the emotional weight of a thousand memories.

The crowd’s connection with Kohli throughout the match was profound. During Australia’s innings, as Kohli fielded brilliantly at square leg, the entire ground erupted in chants of “Kohli, Kohli,” with the Indian talisman looking at the adoring crowd with a mix of awe and nostalgia. These weren’t just cheers for spectacular fielding; they were expressions of gratitude, admiration, and farewell.

Vintage Partnership: Rolling Back the Years

Rohit scored his 33rd ODI century at the SCG to end his love affair with Australia as the player of the match and player of the series, whileVirat Kohli responded to his twin ducks with an unbeaten 74. Their unbroken 168-run partnership wasn’t merely about runs accumulated; it represented a nostalgic journey through time, reminding everyone why this duo became synonymous with successful run chases.

Virat Kohli acknowledged the struggles, saying: “You’ve scored so many runs in international cricket, but then the game shows you everything. Even at this stage, almost 37 in not many days, and still can feel like I don’t know how to get a run. This game is amazing”. His candid reflection on vulnerability resonated deeply with fans and former players, humanizing sporting icons often perceived as invincible.

The innings showcased everything that made Kohli special—including a standout straight drive off Mitchell Starc and his characteristic focused intensity during the chase. Each boundary brought roars from the crowd and knowing glances between the batting partners, two warriors savoring possibly their final battle together on Australian soil.

Touching Moments Beyond Cricket

Beyond the statistics and cricket excellence, several deeply personal moments defined the evening’s emotional landscape. After India’s victory, Virat Kohli won hearts when he stopped to pick up a fallen Indian flag from an enthusiastic fan, retrieving it and returning it respectfully—a small yet significant act that conveyed his character and respect for the tricolour. Fans immediately recognized this gesture as emblematic of Kohli’s values, with social media erupting in praise for his patriotism and humility.

Former Australian opener David Warner’s warm embrace with Virat Kohli before the match also captured global attention, with Warner later revealing he hadn’t seen Kohli in a while and simply wanted to greet his friend with a handshake and hug. This exchange between two fierce competitors turned friends highlighted cricket’s ability to transcend national boundaries and create lasting relationships.

The mutual respect between rivals was evident throughout, with Australian crowds—known for their passionate but occasionally harsh treatment of opposition players—showing nothing but admiration and affection for the departing legends. Kohli thanked Australian fans post-match, saying: “We want to say thank you as well. We love coming to this country and playing in front of such big crowds. We’ve played some of our best cricket here too. You guys are brilliant; we’ve never felt short of support here”.

Statistical Milestones Amidst Emotional Goodbyes

While emotions dominated proceedings, the match produced significant statistical achievements. Virat Kohli’s innings took him to 14,255 runs in ODI cricket, making him the second-highest run-getter in the format after surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s tally of 14,234, with only Sachin Tendulkar’s 18,426 ahead of him.

The partnership between Rohit and Virat Kohli came after 2,106 days since their previous century stand in international cricket, which was also against Australia in an ODI back in January 2020. In between, they had batted together 49 times across all formats without producing a century partnership, making this reunion at the SCG all the more special and meaningful.

Rohit, at 38 years and 178 days old, became only the second player after Sachin Tendulkar to score an ODI century for India past the age of 38, and the second-oldest batter to score an ODI hundred in Australia. These records, achieved in what might be their final Australian appearance, added layers of significance to an already historic evening.

Uncertainty About Future: Will They Return?

The question hovering over the SCG—and indeed over the entire cricket world—was whether this truly marked the end of an era. When asked about their 2027 World Cup plans during the post-match interview, Kohli smiled, tapped Rohit on the back, and avoided the question, leaving it unanswered as the crowd erupted. This deliberate ambiguity allowed both players to leave their options open while acknowledging the reality that time waits for no one.

When asked if the “two old dogs still had sting in the tail,” Rohit responded: “Looks like it, yes. We enjoy our cricket, most importantly, no matter what. It’s important that whenever you get an opportunity to play, you’ve got to come and start fresh”. His words suggested determination to continue while accepting that each opportunity might be the last.

The speculation intensified when both legends hinted that this might be their last tour of Australia, though neither announced retirement. This deliberate lack of closure perhaps served a purpose—allowing fans, commentators, and the players themselves to process the magnitude of the moment without the finality of official announcements.

Legacy Written in Sydney

The SCG has witnessed countless historic cricket moments across more than a century, but October 25, 2025, will be remembered as the night when two of cricket’s greatest modern players potentially took their final bow on Australian soil. It was at the SCG back in 2008 that Rohit first announced himself on the international scene with a half-century alongside Sachin Tendulkar, making his 2025 century at the same venue a perfect bookend to his Australian story.

For Kohli, the innings represented redemption after struggling in the first two matches, with the champion stating that “chasing always brings the best out of me” and expressing relief at being “out of the pond” after his ducks. That he could bounce back in such spectacular fashion in what might be his final Australian innings only reinforced his legendary status.

The emotional scenes at the SCG—commentators struggling with their words, fans cherishing every run, players reflecting on careers spanning nearly two decades—created a collective memory that transcends sport. These weren’t just cricket matches; they were farewells to icons who had shaped the game, inspired millions, and left indelible marks on cricket’s greatest rivalry.

What Makes SCG Farewells So Special

The Sydney Cricket Ground has a unique place in cricket history, serving as the venue for countless emotional farewells and historic moments. The sold-out stadium of 40,587 spectators, most of whom cheered Rohit and Kohli’s every move, created an atmosphere that acknowledged both the excellence of the performance and the poignancy of potential finality.

Australian crowds have always had a special relationship with great players, regardless of nationality. Their appreciation for excellence, combined with their understanding of cricket’s traditions and history, makes farewells at Australian venues particularly meaningful. The standing ovations, sustained applause, and emotional chanting that accompanied Kohli and Rohit’s innings reflected this deep-rooted cricket culture.

The commentary team’s emotional response added another layer to the evening’s significance. These were professionals who had called countless matches, witnessed numerous historic moments, yet found themselves struggling to maintain composure while describing what they knew might be the final chapter of two extraordinary careers in Australia.

Impact Beyond Numbers

While statistics will remember Rohit’s 121 not out and Kohli’s unbeaten 74 that sealed a nine-wicket victory, the true impact of this match extends far beyond the scorebook. It reminded everyone that sport, at its highest level, is about human stories—about perseverance, friendship, excellence, and the bittersweet nature of endings.

As Rohit waved to the fans one last time before walking off, tears in his eyes and a smile on his face, it felt like the end of a chapter. Whether they return to Australia or not, that image—of a warrior acknowledging the crowd that had witnessed his journey from promising youngster to legendary champion—will endure in cricket’s collective memory.

The match proved that true greatness isn’t just about accumulating runs and records; it’s about how you make people feel, the inspiration you provide, and the grace with which you handle both triumph and potential farewell. Kohli and Rohit demonstrated all these qualities at the SCG, leaving an emotional imprint that statistics alone could never capture.

As the cricket world processes what might have been witnessed—the final performances of two modern greats in Australia—one truth remains undeniable: the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25, 2025, was the stage for something far more profound than a cricket match. It was a celebration of excellence, a farewell to legends, and a reminder of why we love this beautiful game.