R Ashwin praises ‘fit and lean’ Rohit Sharma, makes massive comment on Virat Kohli: ‘He was not…’

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin praised Rohit Sharma's century and Virat Kohli's 74-run innings in India's nine-wicket victory against Australia in the third ODI at Sydney. The duo's unbeaten 168-run partnership helped India chase down 236 runs, with Rohit scoring 121 not out and Kohli contributing 74 not out, avoiding a series whitewash.

Rohit's innings of 121 came off 125 balls, including 13 fours and three sixes, while Kohli's 74 came from 81 balls with seven fours. This performance marked a significant improvement for both players after struggling in the previous two matches.




"What stuck out with Rohit, that he looked proper fit and lean. That is why he is able to get those runs and get going. Even while running with Gill, he wanted a third run, but Gill refused. The quality of batting is always there, but if you are fit, you lose weight, you are able to feel light, and skill will take over. Rohit is looking a million dollars. He is looking all set and poised," Ashwin said.

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"He (Rohit) has been one of your best white-ball batters over the decade or so. I was always very confident that he and Virat would both make runs. Virat was not at his best, but still, he found a way to get those runs. The straight drive he played was a sight to behold. All his fans will be very happy today. Virat looked like he is properly enjoying himself. I think it is in his mind now that whatever he is playing now is a real gift for him, and he has to enjoy this phase of his career. The whole stadium was clapping for him when he took the first single," Ashwin added.

Australia, batting first after winning the toss, posted 236 runs. Mitchell Marsh (41) and Travis Head (29) provided a solid start with a 61-run partnership.

Matt Short scored 30, while Matt Renshaw (56) and Alex Carey (24) added a 59-run stand to take Australia to 183/3 before the team collapsed.



India's bowling attack was led by Harshit Rana, who took 4/39 in 8.4 overs. Washington Sundar claimed two wickets, while Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav took one wicket each.

In India's chase, Shubman Gill (24) and Rohit Sharma provided a 69-run opening stand. After Gill's departure, Rohit and Kohli's partnership guided India to victory with nine wickets remaining.

Rohit Sharma was awarded both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his outstanding performance, finishing as the series' top scorer with 202 runs, including a century and a fifty.
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