IND vs AUS 2024: 3 players who flopped and 2 who starred in the 2nd BGT 2024/25 Test ft. Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli
India suffered another humbling defeat in a pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide as they were soundly beaten by 10 wickets on Sunday, December 8. With the defeat, the series is now all square at 1-1.
It was a disappointing performance from Rohit Sharma and company, who were never in the contest despite winning the toss. After winning the series opener, the visitors would've fancied their chances of extending their lead, but it wasn't to be. Very few players put their hand up for India.
On that note, here are three players who flopped and two who starred in the second Test between India and Australia.
#5 Flop - Rohit Sharma
India's captain returned to the fold after missing the first Test due to personal reasons. However, Rohit Sharma couldn't make an impact.
Batting in the middle order, Rohit looked all at sea against Australia's fast bowlers. He seemed short of confidence and ability, falling cheaply in both innings. The skipper's bowling changes and field placements were once again sub-par.
Rohit's disappointing captaincy and recent run of low scores will be at the forefront of media attention going forward.
#4 Star - Nitish Kumar Reddy
Nitish Kumar Reddy, playing just his second Test, top-scored for India in both innings. Batting with the tail, the fast-bowling all-rounder looked assured in the middle and played a series of terrific attacking shots.
Rohit didn't have much faith in Nitish's bowling, although the youngster dismissed Marnus Labuschagne in the first innings. However, he made a major impact with the bat, preventing India from being bundled out cheaply. So far, Nitish has looked the part.
#3 Flop - Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli knows a thing or two about scoring runs in Adelaide, but he couldn't come out on the right side of that history this time. The former Indian skipper made just 18 runs in the Test and didn't seem assured at the crease.
The Aussie pacers' ability to move the ball in both directions and generate bounce was always going to trouble Kohli, whose tendency to get on the front foot didn't help matters. India will be very concerned about the form of their star batter despite his hundred in Perth.
#2 Star - Jasprit Bumrah
India's star paceman effectively had only one innings to bowl at Australia. And although he dealt with a niggle in the latter half of that innings, Jasprit Bumrah was once again the pick of the visiting bowlers.
Bumrah kept India afloat almost single-handedly, dismissing three of the Aussies' top four and later returning to prise out Pat Cummins. He was once again his team's most economical bowler as well.
#1 Flop - Harshit Rana
Another player in his second Test, Harshit Rana didn't endure such a positive outing in Adelaide. The young pacer started well, hitting the right areas, but lost his radar as the game wore on.
Rana was picked apart by Travis Head as he dished out too many short balls and overcompensated by bowling fuller ones. He went wicketless in the Test and leaked runs at 5.37 an over and couldn't contribute with the bat either. It was a harsh welcome to Test cricket for the fast bowler, who will improve with time.