The ultimate farewell to his beloved adversary in just 10 words.

In a way, it was fitting that Steve Smith’s final act as an ODI cricketer was a hug and a heartfelt chat with Virat Kohli. It was a touching and poignant moment as Smith leaned on Kohli’s shoulder, confiding in one of his oldest rivals and cricketing mates.

The embrace between Smith and Kohli, following India’s victory over Australia, added a sweet touch to their longstanding rivalry on the field.

Smith’s retirement from 50-over cricket was marked by his final match against his favorite rival, Kohli, whom he had faced 28 times in ODI matches.

Despite his best efforts, Smith couldn’t lead Australia to victory in his last match against India, a team he had often dominated in the past.

Smith’s impressive record against India in ODIs showcased his white-ball genius, with memorable performances that made him a formidable opponent for the Indian team.

Smith’s iconic century against India in the 2015 World Cup was a standout moment in his ODI career, solidifying his reputation as a world-class batsman.

The enduring battle between Kohli and Smith in ODIs began early in their careers, setting the stage for a captivating rivalry between two modern-day greats.

While Kohli’s ODI numbers overshadow Smith’s, the Australian’s contributions to the format cannot be overlooked, with an impressive average and strike rate.

Smith’s occasional brilliance in ODIs, including his three consecutive centuries against India, highlighted his talent and impact in the limited-overs format.