India entered the third and final ODI against Australia determined to avoid a series whitewash after trailing 0-2. Winning the toss, Australia chose to bat first, setting up an early challenge for the hosts.

Openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head built a strong 61-run stand, keeping India’s bowlers on the back foot. Despite Shubman Gill trying various field placements and bowling changes, the breakthrough didn’t come easily.

However, senior pros Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli brought their experience into play, helping steady India’s approach. Their leadership on the field made a clear impact as India bowled out Australia for 236, showing resilience and teamwork in a must-win match.

See Also: Twitter Reactions: Rohit Sharma celebrates successive fifty in AUS vs IND 3rd ODI

Shubman Gill Impresses With Captaincy in 3rd ODI:

Since taking over as India’s Test captain in June, Shubman Gill has had a mixed run — winning only one toss in ten matches and failing to register a fifty in white-ball formats since the IPL. With the ODI series already lost, the Sydney match offered a chance for redemption.

Gill impressed with his tactical awareness, introducing Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav in place of Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Although Australia started strongly, Gill’s clever rotation of spinners — Kuldeep, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel — tightened the game, slowing down the scoring rate and shifting momentum back to India.

Virat Kohli’s Guidance Keeps Gill Focused Throughout:

During a crucial moment, Kohli called Gill over for a brief on-field chat alongside KL Rahul. The conversation, though lasting only a few seconds, seemed to boost India’s energy. Gill quickly implemented Kohli’s advice, and the team’s fielding and bowling discipline improved noticeably in the next few overs.

The only leadership summit all of us want to be part of! 📝📚#AUSvIND 👉 3rd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/0evPIuANAu pic.twitter.com/HzAE2KIPI1

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 25, 2025

While watching this delightful moment, the commentator said, “ Virat Kohli seen here talking to Shubman Gill, KL Rahul. I can see the involvement since the last few overs. He has the experience. Captain ka darja shayad nahi ho par experience hai. They may not be captains, but they have the experience. Be it Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli or KL Rahul. They can share all their knowledge, although eventually it's up to Gill whether he wants to implement it.”

India faced a 7-wicket loss (DLS method) in the opening ODI at Perth, followed by a narrow 2-wicket defeat in the second match at Adelaide, which handed Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.