Sun Oct 26 18:13:26 UTC 2025: News Article:
Rohit Sharma Hints at Possible Farewell to Australian Cricket After Emotional Sydney Departure
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma has sparked speculation about his future playing career in Australia after an emotional farewell following India’s consolation victory in the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Sharma, who was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series, scored a magnificent unbeaten 121 on Saturday, leading India to a nine-wicket win and preventing a series whitewash. The knock marked his 33rd ODI century.
“One last time, signing off from Sydney,” Sharma tweeted on Sunday, alongside a picture of himself at the Sydney airport departure gate. The post has fueled speculation that this may be one of the last times fans see him playing in Australia.
In a post-match statement, Sharma acknowledged his fond memories of playing in Australia since 2008, adding, “I’m not sure if we’ll be coming back to Australia, but we enjoy our cricket no matter what accolades we achieve.”
Sharma and Virat Kohli, both now exclusively playing ODIs after retiring from Tests and T20Is, formed an unbeaten 168-run partnership in the game. They now play only one format after retiring from Tests and T20Is, and their careers have become a matter of intense speculation of late.
Sharma emphasized the challenges of playing in Australia and the importance of experience within the team, stating, “You expect tough pitches and quality bowlers in Australia. Playing here is never easy. We couldn’t win the series, but there are plenty of positives. It’s a young side, and there will be a lot of learnings.”
He also reiterated his commitment to mentoring younger players, echoing the support he received earlier in his career. “When I came into the squad, seniors helped us a lot; now it’s our job to do the same. We need to guide them, create game plans, and go back to basics, which I still do every time I play here.”
While the future remains uncertain, Sharma’s love for playing in Australia, highlighted by his statement “I’ve had great memories here – from the SCG to Perth. I love playing here and hope to continue doing what I do,” suggests a deep connection with the country and its passionate cricket fans.