Vintage Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli provide fresh boost to India's World Cup 2027 hopes

Form may be fleeting, but class is forever and cricket proves that time and again. ‘Hitman’ Rohit Sharma (121 no, 125b, 13x4, 3x6) embodied that timeless saying as he smashed his 33rd ODI century in the third and final ODI clash against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.

With this blistering ton, the veteran opener has sent a clear message to critics and fans alike that he still has the hunger and determination to carry on until the 2027 World Cup to be held in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. According to the experts, head coach Gautam Gambhir celebrating the great knock also augurs well for Rohit's chances in the upcoming mega event.

What made the moment even more special was the presence of his long-time ally, Virat Kohli (74 no, 81b, 7x4) at the other end. The iconic pair turned back the clock, putting together a masterclass partnership that piled immense pressure on the hosts during India’s pursuit of a 237-run target.

Both players shared a laugh as they paused for drinks after the 33rd over- a sight that delighted fans worldwide. Just moments earlier, Kohli had reached his half-century, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history by overtaking Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara.

In the end, Rohit remained unbeaten on 121, while Kohli finished with 74 n o, guiding India to a commanding nine-wicket victory. Their unbroken 168-run stand for the second wicket sealed the victory in style.

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Rohit’s century will undoubtedly quieten speculation about his form and future, especially given recent discussions about whether he would feature in the 2027 World Cup as a one-format player. After scoring just eight in the series opener, Rohit bounced back with 73 in Adelaide before delivering a match-winning hundred in Sydney.

Kohli, too, redeemed himself after a rough start, following two consecutive ducks in the first two ODIs with a fluent half-century that reminded everyone why he’s one of the game’s greats.

Together, the two veterans proved that while form may dip, true class never fades. For the time being, Ro-Ko have silenced its critics. With brilliant knocks from their blades, their message is pretty loud and clear that they still have hunger for the game and their addition in the playing eleven will definitely be a boost for the Men in Blue in the upcoming ODI World Cup.