AUS vs IND 2025: Virat Kohli's agile catch in 3rd ODI proves he's fit enough to play 2027 World Cup

Published - 25 Oct 2025, 10:47 IST | Updated - 25 Oct 2025, 11:15 IST

In the ongoing third and final ODI between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Virat Kohli once again proved why he’s regarded as one of the best fielders in the world. The veteran Indian batter pulled off a stunning reflex catch to dismiss Matthew Short, giving the visitors their third breakthrough and bringing the team back into the contest.

Australia, having already sealed the series 2-0, opted to bat first after skipper Mitchell Marsh won the toss. The hosts made one change, bringing in Nathan Ellis for Xavier Bartlett, while India handed opportunities to Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna. With the series result already decided, this match was likely the last time Indian stars Virat and Rohit Sharma would play on Australian soil.

The brilliant catch came in the 23rd over when Washington Sundar bowled a brilliant spell. Short, who was batting on 30, attempted to pull the spinner. Sundar tossed one up on off, inviting the sweep as the right-handed batter went down on one knee to hit it flat and hard toward square leg. However, Kohli, standing close in, reacted in no time, crouching low and plucking the ball as he fell backward. The agile piece of work in the field led many to believe the veteran is fit enough to play the 2027 World Cup.

What a special catch that is from Virat Kohli ✨Follow #AUSvIND: https://t.co/YH5IbBTdsc

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Notably, with this catch, the 36-year-old entered the list of most international catches as a fielder. Ranked fifth with 338 catches, the star Indian cricketer is now among the legends, including Mahela Jayawardene, Ricky Ponting, Ross Taylor, and Jacques Kallis. Meanwhile, he and Kallis are equal in the number of catches taken.

Meanwhile, the hosts began well, with openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head racing to a 50-run stand inside eight overs. Mohammed Siraj provided the first breakthrough, dismissing Head for 29. Following this, Axar Patel then trapped Marsh for 41. Short, who was coming off a solid fifty in the 2nd ODI, looked impressive during his 30-run stay, anchoring alongside Matt Renshaw as the hosts reached 124/2 by the 22nd over. However, Kohli’s stunning effort handed India their third wicket. At the end of the 27th over, Australia's score stood at 140/3, with Renshaw and Alex Carey at the crease. India’s bowlers.