Six reasons for India’s defeat in the Melbourne Test: Rohit and Virat fail again, Pant’s wicket a turning point

Melbourne: India suffered a crushing 184-run defeat against Australia in the Melbourne Test, trailing 1-2 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Chasing a target of 340 runs on the final day, India was bundled out for 155, despite opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s valiant knock of 84. However, Jaiswal’s controversial dismissal, along with other factors, sealed India’s fate.

Key reasons for India’s loss:

1. Controversial umpiring decision:

Jaiswal’s dismissal in the second innings proved pivotal. With the match poised for a draw at the time, Jaiswal, who was India’s highest scorer, fell to a contentious third-umpire decision, leaving Akash Deep as the last significant hope.

 

2. Top-order failure:

India’s top-order faltered across both innings. In the first innings, the opening stand between Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma yielded just eight runs, with Rohit managing only three. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli scored 24 and 36 runs, respectively. In the second innings, the top three—Rohit (9), Rahul (0), and Kohli (5)—failed to reach double figures.

 

3. Dropped catches by Jaiswal:

Jaiswal’s fielding lapses were costly. He dropped three catches in Australia’s second innings, giving reprieves to Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Pat Cummins. These missed opportunities allowed Australia to extend their lead.

 

4. Bowlers lacked a plan for the last wicket:

Indian bowlers struggled to dismiss Australia’s tailenders. Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added a crucial 61 runs for the final wicket. Rohit Sharma’s captaincy came under scrutiny for failing to deploy close-in fielders during this stand.

 

5. Rishabh Pant’s crucial failure:

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s dismissal in the second innings proved to be a turning point. Pant, known for his ability to rescue India in tough situations, played a loose shot and was dismissed for just 18. His failure to anchor the innings further accelerated India’s collapse

 

6. Collapse in the final session:

India’s batting crumbled in the last session of the match. From a relatively stable position at 112/3 by tea, the team lost seven wickets for just 43 runs, dashing any hopes of a comeback.