Adelaide: Rohit Sharma’s fighting 73 went in vain as India suffered a two-wicket defeat against Australia in the second ODI on Thursday, handing the hosts an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series. The loss also reignited debate over the exclusion of proven match-winner Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI.
Under pressure, Rohit crafted a determined 97-ball 73 on a challenging pitch to anchor India’s total of 264 for 9 — at least 25 runs short of a par score. In response, Australia overcame a late collapse to chase down the target in 46.2 overs, thanks to a composed partnership between Cooper Connolly (61* off 53) and Mitchell Owen (36 off 23). The duo added 59 runs in just 6.3 overs, sealing the series and ending Australia’s three-series losing streak in ODIs.
Connolly’s calm finish — reminiscent of Michael Bevan’s classic chases — highlighted India’s growing problem with team balance, particularly the overemphasis on all-rounders. Nitish Reddy, preferred over Kuldeep, contributed just 8 runs and conceded 24 in three overs, while dropping a crucial chance off Matthew Short (74), which proved costly.
India’s spinners did cause trouble for Australia. Axar Patel (1/52) and Washington Sundar (2/37) bowled economically, dismissing Matt Renshaw (30) and Alex Carey (9), respectively. However, once Owen took charge, he counterattacked fearlessly, especially against Harshit Rana (2/59), turning the tide in Australia’s favour.
Earlier, Rohit’s innings was marked by resilience and patience against a probing new-ball spell from Josh Hazlewood (0/29 in 10 overs). At one stage, Rohit played 17 consecutive dot balls as he and Shreyas Iyer tried to weather the movement under overcast conditions.
Virat Kohli’s poor run continued, dismissed for a second consecutive duck after Xavier Bartlett trapped him lbw with a sharp inswinger. As he walked off, Kohli acknowledged the Adelaide crowd — at a venue where he has many fond memories, including a World Cup century against Pakistan.
Rohit’s early phase was about survival — leaving deliveries judiciously, absorbing pressure, and gradually finding rhythm. A flicked boundary off Mitchell Starc and two trademark pull shots off Mitchell Owen signaled his shift from grit to grace. Though his innings promised a 33rd ODI hundred, a mistimed pull off Starc ended his stay.
The knock, however, underscored Rohit’s determination to silence critics and prove that he still has plenty to offer ahead of the 2027 World Cup. In contrast, Kohli’s twin failures have once again raised questions about his form and fading intensity.
The final ODI, now a dead rubber, will be played in Canberra on October 25.
