Star India batter Rohit Sharma’s resilient 73 went in vain as India lost the three-match ODI series against Australia after a two-wicket loss in the second match on Thursday. This setback will revive the debate on the omission of proven match-winner Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI.
Under pressure, Rohit combined grit with elegance in a 97-ball innings on a challenging pitch, forming the cornerstone of India’s total of 264 for 9, which was at least 25 runs short of a par-score.
In response, Australia struggled against Indian spinners. However, with Nitish Reddy being shoe-horned as a multi-skilled player instead of a genuine match-winner like Kuldeep, the visitors paid the price in a close contest.
Cooper Connolly (61 not out off 53 balls) and Mitchell Owen (36 off 23 balls), both auditioning for the IPL, attacked both pacers and spinners as Australia survived a late collapse to win in 46.2 overs, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
The duo added 59 runs in just 6.3 overs, ending Australia’s three-series losing streak in the format. The series will conclude in Canberra with the final ODI on October 25.
Connolly, who was recently in Kanpur for an ‘A’ series, evoked memories of Michael Bevan by effortlessly finding gaps in a pressure situation.
In doing so, he also highlighted the potential difficulties India could face in the 2027 World Cup if the obsession with all-rounders is not reconsidered.
Reddy, batting at No.8, scored 8 off 10 deliveries and conceded 24 runs in three overs. Although in his defence, Axar Patel dropped a sitter offered by Matthew Short (74), who laid the foundation for Australia’s win against India.
However, Kuldeep’s absence was felt when the Aussie batters struggled against the two finger spinners.
Axar Patel (1/52 in 10 overs) slowed the pace and shortened the length, resulting in Matt Renshaw (30) being bowled as he tried to charge.
