theTripurapost News Images

Rohit’s Gritty 73 in Vain as India Lose ODI Series to Australia

  • By Thetripurapost Sports Desk, Adelaide
  • Oct 23, 2025
  • 13

 

Rohit Sharma’s defiant 73 went unrewarded as India surrendered the three-match ODI series to Australia after a narrow two-wicket defeat in the second game on Thursday. The loss, which handed Australia a 2–0 lead, reignited debate over the exclusion of proven match-winner Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI.

On a testing surface, Rohit anchored India’s innings with a 97-ball effort, guiding them to 264 for 9 — at least 25 runs short of par. Despite early Australian stumbles against India’s spinners, the visitors’ decision to prefer Nitish Reddy over Kuldeep backfired when the match hung in balance.

Australia’s young guns Cooper Connolly (61 off 53)* and Mitchell Owen (36 off 23) played fearless cricket, adding 59 runs in just 6.3 overs to seal the chase in 46.2 overs. Their counterattack broke Australia’s three-series losing streak in the format.

Connolly’s composed finish evoked memories of Michael Bevan, exposing India’s growing over-reliance on makeshift all-rounders. Reddy’s modest outing — 8 runs and 24 runs conceded in three overs — further highlighted the missing bite that Kuldeep could have provided.

Among India’s spinners, Washington Sundar (2/37) and Axar Patel (1/52) impressed but couldn’t prevent Owen’s late onslaught against pacer Harshit Rana (2/59).

Earlier, Rohit showed trademark resilience after a difficult start against Josh Hazlewood, who bowled two maidens in a probing spell. Virat Kohli, however, fell for a second consecutive duck, trapped plumb by Xavier Bartlett — a worrying sign ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Rohit’s innings — mixing patience, power, and pride — stood out as he fought through testing conditions, playing classic pull shots and inside-out drives before perishing for 73 while attempting one stroke too many off Mitchell Starc.

The defeat leaves India with only pride to play for in the final ODI at Canberra on October 25, as selection choices and middle-order inconsistencies once again come under the scanner.