Sydney: Emotions are set to run high as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India’s batting stalwarts, are expected to play what could be their final appearance on Australian soil in the third ODI at Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.

Rohit Sharma showcased his fighting spirit in Adelaide, scoring 73 off 97 balls despite India’s loss, earning some much-needed respite. However, Kohli registered back-to-back ducks, his first in international cricket, leaving fans to question whether this could mark the beginning of the end of an era.

With no ODI series scheduled in Australia over the next two years, the chances of seeing the duo in Indian blues down under again appear slim. Kohli’s future in the format post-Australia series remains uncertain, but the final ODI promises to be far more than just a “dead rubber.”

The match holds great importance as the Gautam Gambhir-coached Indian team looks to avoid a 0-3 whitewash, a result that would be unflattering with the ODI World Cup is only two years away.

India’s recent record against Australia at the SCG adds to the challenge, having won only once in the last five ODIs played there.

Skipper Shubman Gill and Kohli are both due for big innings, and Gambhir will be hoping that both players rise to the occasion in what could be a memorable final clash for the iconic duo.