What cost India the ODI series against Australia?

• India failed to defend 264 runs, losing the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide.
• Key players like Kohli and Gill underperformed, hampering India's batting efforts.
• India's bowlers struggled to take wickets, raising concerns over fitness and selection.

New Delhi: A score of 264 on board in the first innings in Adelaide was a bit short of the mark but could have been defended if Indian bowlers showcased

some intent by applying pressure in the crucial second ODI. India just didn’t lose a match but also lost an opportunity to display their cricketing supremacy over the Australian side which has proved to be a trouble maker for them time and again.

While it was a different day and a different venue but the fate remained the same as the Men in Blue failed the ODI test yet again against the biggies after losing the first ODI in Perth. An all-round brilliant show would have powered them to a victory in the most important game but it was an all-round lacklusterness at display which cost the ODI World Cup runners-up the game and the series.

The failure of Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and a bunch of all-rounders with the bat was what kept India away from scoring an above-par total but in the bowling department as well, there was nobody who they would have looked upto. At a venue which has been the favourite for India, they lost an ODI match against Australia at the Adelaide Oval after a period of 17 years.

Batting lacked firepower, partnerships

While Rohit Sharma, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel showcased some power with the bat with the former skipper returning to form, rest of the batters in the camp played like it was for a charity game. With Virat Kohli’s consecutive duck becoming a story for the online trollers, skipper Shubman Gill’s 9 off 9 was of no use for the Men in Blue as he failed to absorb the pressure of an important match.

The seasoned KL Rahul could have acted as an guardian for the side in such a crucial situation but he packed his bags on just 11 after not being able to read a ball bowled by Adam Zampa. India had picked a bunch of all-rounders in form of Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana with some hope but they too failed the test with Rana aiding the side towards the end with just 24 runs.

Much like the Test format, the demand of the 50-over format is also somewhat similar as the need for good and constructive partnerships becomes of pivotal importance while batting. With India just able to create one between Rohit and Iyer where 118 useful runs were stitched, rest of the players lacked the patience to stay on the crease and bat concretely.

India in dire need of a wicket-taker/Fitness issues

While the batters did what they had to taking the visiting side to a competitive total but the Indian bowlers failed to defend the total by not being able to pick wickets at crucial junctures. India seemed to be in command after claiming the precious wickets of lethal Travis Head and skipper Mitchell Marsh, but somewhere failed to take the momentum forward, claiming few quick scalps towards the end which proved to be of no use.

This also puts a big question mark on how the players were selected as the benched Kuldeep Yadav, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the West Indies series, was kept waiting outside the field as India lost the match inside.

Kuldeep, who is a proven wicket-taker and has a record of providing breakthroughs at crucial intervals, would have certainly made a difference in the game especially after India went down in the series opener. Not talking about Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, the wrist-spinner’s inclusion would have made some difference in the game.

Along with giving the players being left out a thought, the fitness also seemed to be bit concerning in the game. During the course of the contest, all the three pacers – Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana were seen down and out for a moment when the physio had to be called. It was only after the intervention from the fitness coach and the flexing of muscles that they were able to get back on their feet which raises the question of how fit was the trio ahead of the game.

Learnings to take from Australia

While India lacked vitality in all the departments, it was the Australian side which showcased strength in abundance which helped them seal the match and the series. Calling India listless in Adelaide will not be an understatement as some courageous shots with the bat would have increased their overall score while some firepower in bowling and fielding, where they missed few chances, would have helped them stay alive in the series.

Going into the last match and the T20I series coming after, India should take some learnings from the Australian side that displayed immense intent, power and strategy to push the Men in Blue against the wall. After taking the important scalps of the experienced Marsh and Head at 54, Australia could have very well slipped but the others in the camp showcased courage and will to help the side cross the line in style.

With 0-2 down, India will travel to Sydney for the third and final ODI and aim for a consolation win which would save them from disgrace.