Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, has touched hearts across the internet with his heartwarming gesture. He graciously invited KL Rahul to accept the series winner’s trophy. Rohit Sharma had led the team to victory in the first two ODIs against Australia, making the moment even more special.
In the third and final ODI held in Rajkot, India aimed for a clean sweep against Australia. Pat Cummins, returning to lead the team after resting for the second ODI, won the toss and opted to bat first.
Australia got off to a strong start with David Warner (56) and Mitchell Marsh (96), who forged a partnership of 78 runs for the opening wicket. Marsh went on to compile 137 runs alongside Steve Smith (74). However, once these two key batsmen were dismissed, the Indian bowlers intensified their efforts, applying pressure and slowing down the scoring rate.
Despite an impressive 72-ball innings by Marnus Labuschagne, Australia could only post a total of 352/7. Jasprit Bumrah shone with the ball, taking 3/81 for India, while Kuldeep Yadav contributed with 2/48.
In reply, Rohit Sharma’s brilliant batting display saw him score 81 runs off just 56 deliveries, featuring 6 sixes and 5 fours. Rohit, along with Washington Sundar, who was opening the batting for the first time and scored 18 runs, formed a solid partnership of 74 runs for the first wicket.
Virat Kohli (56), Shreyas Iyer (48), and KL Rahul (26) all made promising starts but couldn’t sustain their innings due to the required high run rate. Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with a 35-run knock to narrow the margin of defeat, but India was eventually bowled out for 286 runs.
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell displayed a remarkable bowling performance, claiming 4/40, which played a pivotal role in their 66-run victory. This win also ended Australia’s five-game losing streak.
After the match and the award presentations, Rohit Sharma was called upon to receive the winner’s trophy. In a heartwarming gesture, Sharma invited KL Rahul to join him in this honor. Rahul had captained the Indian team in the first two ODIs in Mohali and Indore, both of which India had won, securing the series.
As an additional act of sportsmanship, Rohit Sharma handed over the trophy to the Saurashtra team players, who were wearing Indian team jerseys as substitutes. India had played this match with only 13 players and had enlisted the services of Saurashtra team members as stand-ins.
Here is the video:
