In a historic moment at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India’s batting giants Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli etched their names alongside legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, equaling their record for the most 150-plus partnerships in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). The pair’s majestic 168-run unbeaten stand guided India to a nine-wicket win over Australia in the third ODI, marking another golden chapter in their illustrious partnership.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli join the elite club
The Rohit-Kohli duo achieved their 12th 150-plus partnership in ODIs, matching the long-standing record held by Tendulkar and Ganguly. The Indian legends had set the benchmark in the early 2000s with their unmatched chemistry at the top of the order. Now, Rohit and Kohli stand shoulder to shoulder with them, having dominated modern-day bowling attacks across continents.
Most 150+ partnerships in ODIs
- Tendulkar & Ganguly: 12
- Rohit & Kohli: 12
- Tillakaratne Dilshan & Kumar Sangakkara: 7
The achievement underscores the duo’s longevity, consistency, and understanding – traits that define India’s batting supremacy in white-ball cricket over the past decade.
Dominant chase seals India’s win at SCG
Chasing 237 for victory, Rohit smashed unbeaten 121 runs, while Kohli silenced critics with a fluent 74 not out after two rare ducks earlier in the series. Together, they dismantled the Australian attack with elegant stroke play, impeccable timing, and calculated aggression. India cruised to victory in 38.3 overs, avoiding a series whitewash in style.
Their partnership was a masterclass in pacing a chase – starting cautiously before accelerating with precision. The SCG crowd witnessed vintage Kohli-Rohit brilliance as the two rotated strike effortlessly and punished loose deliveries with authority.
A record built on trust and consistency
Tendulkar and Ganguly’s partnership was once the gold standard for Indian cricket. On Saturday, Rohit and Kohli have matched that greatness, showcasing how their styles – Rohit’s elegance and Kohli’s intensity – complement each other perfectly. Beyond the numbers, their understanding in pressure situations and ability to lift each other’s game have turned them into one of cricket’s most formidable duos.
With this milestone, Rohit and Kohli also remain second for most century stands in ODI history (26), just behind the Tendulkar-Ganguly tally. Both veterans, under immense scrutiny for form and fitness, responded with characteristic grit and brilliance – proving that their hunger for success is far from fading.
For Rohit and Kohli, this record-equalling feat is yet another reminder of their enduring legacy – one that bridges eras, from Tendulkar-Ganguly’s dominance to India’s modern powerhouse pairing.
As the cricket world celebrates this milestone, one thing is clear: the legacy of Indian batting greatness continues – passed seamlessly from one iconic partnership to another.
