'Two ducks out of the pond': Ravi Shastri roasts Virat Kohli after back-to-back noughts in Australia

Ravi Shastri took a playful dig at Virat Kohli after he, along with Rohit Sharma led India to a nine-wicket win against Australia in the third ODI. Despite Australia's early efforts, India's bowlers contained the hosts, enabling the veteran duo to secure a commanding victory. This win provided a significant morale boost for India, concluding the series on a positive note.

Ravi Shastri poked fun at Virat Kohli after the latter finally scored a fifty after consecutive ducks in the fist two ODIs (Screengrabs)

Former India coach Ravi Shastri could not resist a playful dig at Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after the two veterans guided India to a nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. Shastri started the jokes with a comment on the duo’s enduring class, saying, “You two old dogs still have a sting in the tail,” as Rohit responded with a smile.

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The former Team India coach then went at Kohli with a light-hearted remark, saying, “Here are the two ducks out of the pond.” Kohli responded with a laugh, as he said, “Good to be out of the pond, honestly. Well, you know, I kind of lost... You’ve scored so many runs in international cricket, but then the game shows you everything — even at this stage, almost 37 (years old) in not many days, and still can feel like you don’t know how to get a run.” Rohit and Kohli’s unbeaten 168-run partnership for the second wicket proved decisive as India chased down a modest 237-run target in 38.3 overs. Rohit scored 121 not out off 125 balls, while Kohli contributed 74 not out off 81 deliveries, combining to dismantle Australia’s bowling attack. Rohit also shared a 69-run stand with Shubman Gill (24) for the opening wicket. Earlier, Australia were restricted to 236 in 46.4 overs, with Harshit Rana producing a standout spell of 4/39. Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Mohammed Siraj also claimed crucial wickets, while Australian batters Matt Renshaw (56) and Mitchell Marsh (41) offered resistance. The Indian bowlers maintained pressure after vice-captain Shreyas Iyer helped dismiss Alex Carey with a spectacular catch, though he landed awkwardly and required on-field treatment.

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Despite some early resistance from Australia, India’s bowlers ensured the hosts were kept under control, allowing Rohit and Kohli to take the game away with their classy batting. The win offered India a morale boost to end the series on a high note, even as Australia claimed the series 2-1.

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