Team India’s all-so-good phase before the marque tournament, World Cup 2023 came to an end when Australia called out the past ghosts of Indian failures. In the third and final ODI between IND vs AUS, While chasing a mammoth total of 353, the Indian middle and lower-middle order disappointed as the team succumbed to 286 only, resulting in a 66-run victory for the visitors.
This game proved a morale booster for the Australian team who had broken their five-match losing streak before the World Cup. For Men in Blue, Skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and in-form Shreyas Iyer got the start for a big knock but they failed to capitalize on it.
Over-dependency on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
India started well in the run chase of 353, Rohit and India’s newest opener Washington Sundar stitched a 74-run opening stand before the latter was dismissed by The Big Show, Glenn Maxwell. India’s winning chances seemed very positive when Rohit-Virat was on the crease. Rohit and Virat both completed their fifty but failed to make it big one as both were sent back by Glenn Maxwell. After Rohit and Kohli’s departure team’s middle order choked the team’s hope of reaching the final mark.
Lack of sense of responsibility from Ravindra Jadeja & Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav’s inconsistent form in the 50-over format continues as he was sent back by the pacer Josh Hazlewood on a mere score of 8. After Suryakumar Yadav’s departure, came Ravindra Jadeja. The left-hander all-rounder showed a lack of intent in his batting, as he kept taking singles and consumed 36 balls for his 35. This came when the required rate was around 10 runs per over.
Reality Check for Team India
The two wins against the Aussie side may answered a few questions for the team’s think tank, but the final ODI raised the same questions again. During the post-match presentation, Rohit Sharma looked pretty happy and confident, which is a serious concern for the team’s future.
The failure of the middle order just a week before the World Cup 2023 incepted the demons of the past, which may cost a golden chance to lift the World Cup trophy for the third time. Despite this, the Rohit-led side is one of the main contenders for the marquee tourney. Let’s hope that Dravid-Rohit’s duo finds the answer to this toughest question before the prestigious World Cup 2023.