Team India find themselves on the brink of an unwanted milestone. With the final ODI against Australia set to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), a series whitewash looms large. If India lose, it would mark their first-ever ODI whitewash against Australia and only their third whitewash away from home in the last five years.
Australia’s thrilling 2-wicket win in Adelaide gave them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, leaving India desperate to avoid further embarrassment in Sydney.
India’s Concerning ODI Record in the Last Five Years
This ongoing series is India’s 13th bilateral ODI series away from home since February 2020. Out of those, they have lost seven — a statistic that highlights their struggle in overseas conditions.
Whitewash losses:
- New Zealand (2020) — 0-3
- South Africa (2021-22) — 0-3
- Potential third: Australia (2025-26)
If India lose the final ODI on Saturday, it would be their third overseas whitewash in five years — and their first against Australia in ODI history.
India’s Overseas ODI Series Since 2020
| Bilateral Series | Year | Matches | Winner |
| India in New Zealand | 2020 | 3 | New Zealand (3-0) |
| India in Australia | 2020/21 | 3 | Australia (2-1) |
| India in Sri Lanka | 2021 | 3 | India (2-1) |
| India in South Africa | 2021/22 | 3 | South Africa (3-0) |
| India in England | 2022 | 3 | India (2-1) |
| India in West Indies | 2022 | 3 | India (3-0) |
| India in Zimbabwe | 2022 | 3 | India (3-0) |
| India in New Zealand | 2022/23 | 3 | New Zealand (1-0) |
| India in Bangladesh | 2022/23 | 3 | Bangladesh (2-1) |
| India in West Indies | 2023 | 3 | India (2-1) |
| India in South Africa | 2023/24 | 3 | India (2-1) |
| India in Sri Lanka | 2024 | 3 | Sri Lanka (2-0) |
| India in Australia* | 2025/26 | 3 | Australia (2-0)* |
Poor Record in Sydney Adds to Woes
India’s numbers at the SCG offer little comfort. In 19 ODIs at the venue, India have won just 2 matches, while Australia have dominated with 16 victories. One match, played in 2015, ended with no result.
At The Gabba, India’s record is only slightly better — 2 wins in 7 matches, with 4 wins for Australia and 1 no result. All this adds up to a grim picture heading into the final clash.
Kohli’s Struggles Continue
The spotlight remains firmly on Virat Kohli, whose much-anticipated ODI comeback has turned sour. He registered back-to-back ducks — first trapped in front by Xavier Bartlett in Adelaide and earlier dismissed by Mitchell Starc chasing a wide delivery.
Kohli has never really enjoyed batting at the SCG in ODIs. In four matches at the venue, his highest score is 21, dating back to the Commonwealth Bank Series in 2012.
| Opponent | Series | Runs |
| Australia | CB Series 2012 | 21 |
| Australia | ODI Tri-Series | 3* |
| Australia | 5-Match Bilateral Series | 8 |
| Australia | 3-Match Bilateral Series | 3 |
Whether Kohli’s ODI career continues beyond this tour remains uncertain, but fans will hope for a final flourish from the veteran batter in Sydney.
A Crucial Clash Despite the Series Result
Although the outcome of the series is already sealed, the final ODI in Sydney is far from a “dead rubber.” For India, it’s a chance to avoid a historic whitewash after 41 years and rebuild confidence before future assignments.
For Australia, it’s an opportunity to complete a clean sweep and stamp their dominance in home conditions.
Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on Today Cricket Matches!