India Loses ODI Series to Australia as Rohit Sharma's Effort Falls Short

Adelaide, Oct 23 (PTI): Rohit Sharma's resolute innings of 73 was not enough for India as they lost the three-match ODI series to Australia, following a two-wicket defeat in the second game on Thursday. This loss will likely fuel discussions about the omission of consistent match-winner Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI.

On a challenging pitch, Rohit's determined effort, woven with moments of elegance, resulted in a 97-ball knock underpinning India's 264-9—a total that seemed at least 25 runs short of a competitive score.

In response, Australia faced difficulties against the Indian spinners. However, the decision to opt for Nitish Reddy as a multi-skilled player over proven talent Kuldeep may have cost India dearly in this tight encounter.

Australian players Cooper Connolly, who scored an unbeaten 61 off 53 balls, and Mitchell Owen, with 36 off 23 balls, were pivotal. Both players, eyeing opportunities in the IPL, deftly handled both pacers and spinners as Australia overcame a late wobble to secure victory in 46.2 overs, taking a decisive 2-0 lead in the series.

The Connolly-Owen partnership of 59 runs in just 6.3 overs proved instrumental in breaking Australia's three-series losing streak in the format. The final, inconsequential ODI is set for October 25 in Canberra.

Connolly, reminiscent of Michael Bevan in pressure situations, effectively found the gaps to guide Australia to victory, suggesting potential challenges for India in the 2027 World Cup if their current preference for all-rounders continues.

Reddy, batting at No.8, managed only 8 runs off 10 balls and conceded 24 runs in three overs. Nevertheless, his efforts were hampered by Axar Patel's drop of a straightforward chance from Matthew Short, who laid the groundwork for Australia's win with a solid 74.

Kuldeep's absence was particularly noted when the Australian batsmen struggled against the finger spinners. Axar Patel slowed the pace, bowling out a charging Matt Renshaw on 30. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar, with figures of 2/37, dismissed an impatient Alex Carey, caught sweeping.

However, Mitchell Owen's arrival changed the game, as he launched an aggressive onslaught against Harshit Rana, who ended with figures of 2/59 from 8 overs, ultimately shifting the momentum back towards Australia.

Earlier, India's innings revolved around Rohit's perseverance, as he weathered a probing opening spell from Josh Hazlewood, who returned economical figures of 0/29 from his quota of 10 overs, including two maidens.

Rohit and Shreyas Iyer adopted a cautious approach, wary of the pitch's moisture and lateral movement. Rohit's cautious consolidation saw him endure 17 consecutive dot balls from Hazlewood.

While Rohit was resilient, Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck for the second consecutive match. Caught plumb in front by Xavier Bartlett, Kohli acknowledged the Adelaide fans while exiting a venue where he has previously celebrated Test centuries and a World Cup hundred.

As Rohit settled, his innings showcased resilience, starting with a flicked four off Mitchell Starc and unfurling into vintage Rohit with pull shots reminiscent of his prime as he targeted Mitchell Owen's medium pace.

Despite initial struggles, Rohit's knock underlined his enduring class, as he pulled and drove with flair, suggesting there's still plenty of fire in the belly ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Rohit's hopes for a 33rd ODI century were dashed while attempting a leg-side boundary off Starc, a shot that led to his dismissal.

Where Rohit found much-needed respite, Kohli faced mounting pressure. Departing to a generous Adelaide reception, the crowd may have witnessed his last appearance here. Despite earlier instances of consecutive ducks, the spark that propelled Kohli to legendary status seems to have waned.

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