Australia pulled off a two-wicket win over India in a tense second ODI at Adelaide on Thursday, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series and wrapping up the contest. The result left fans furious, calling out team selection and captaincy decisions.
Rohit Fights Alone in a Losing Cause
Rohit Sharma played a fighting knock of 73 off 97 balls, showing grit and control on a tricky pitch. India posted 264/9, largely thanks to Rohit’s steady innings. But the side failed to accelerate in the final overs, missing vital momentum.
Australia’s Lower Order Turns the Game
Australia stumbled early in the chase before Cooper Connolly (61* off 53) and Mitchell Owen (36 off 23) counter-attacked brilliantly. Their 59-run stand in 6.3 overs took Australia to victory in 46.2 overs, clinching the series in style.
Selection Choices Under Fire
Fans and experts questioned Gautam Gambhir’s decision to bench Kuldeep Yadav. Nitish Reddy, picked ahead of the wrist-spinner, scored just 8 runs and conceded 24 in 3 overs. Without Kuldeep, India lacked the breakthrough weapon needed to stop Australia’s middle order.
Spinners Struggle Without Wrist Option
Axar Patel (1/52) and Washington Sundar (2/37) bowled well, but India missed the variety that a wrist-spinner like Kuldeep provides. Australia handled the finger spinners comfortably once they settled, exposing India’s overdependence on all-rounders.
Fans Slam Gambhir and Rohit
Social media erupted after the loss. One user wrote, “Even without Cummins, Green, and Smith, we still get beaten. What’s the excuse now?” Another said, “We could have won if we took catches and used bowlers smartly.” Fans called the tactics “confusing” and “senseless.”
Leadership and Strategy in Question
Many believe India’s obsession with “flexibility” is backfiring. Gambhir’s experimental approach and Rohit’s tactical calls have left the team without stability or clarity. Fans are demanding accountability after yet another series loss.
Final ODI Now a Dead Rubber
With the series already gone, the final ODI in Canberra holds little value. India’s focus must now shift to fixing leadership issues and regaining balance. Rohit’s fight deserves credit, but the bigger concern is direction both in planning and purpose.
