The Australian cricket team continued their dominant run in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, securing a commanding 184-run victory against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The result handed Australia a decisive advantage in the series, while India was left to ponder missed opportunities and critical moments that could have turned the game in their favor.

Reflecting on the loss in the post-match interview, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma did not hold back his disappointment, acknowledging the team’s failure to capitalize on crucial chances. India’s chase of 340 runs was derailed after a promising start, and the team eventually collapsed, losing seven wickets for just 34 runs post-tea on the final day.

“It’s pretty disappointing,” Rohit said. “It’s not that we went in with the intent of giving up the fight. We wanted to fight till the end, and unfortunately, we couldn’t do it. We had Australia 90 for 6, and we know things can get tough, but we want to play tough cricket from hard situations.”

One of the turning points came when Rishabh Pant was dismissed after tea, triggering a dramatic collapse. Rohit acknowledged the role Pant's dismissal played, marking the beginning of the end for India.

“Rishabh (Pant) needs to understand what’s required off himself. In past he has given us a lot of success doing what he does. As captain it’s mixed because you want to back but when it comes off it looks good but when it doesn’t then it’s worse. It’s hard to have a conversation when that method gives him success,” Rohit Sharma said.

Rohit also praised the resilience shown by the Australian side, particularly highlighting their lower-order contributions. “We threw everything we had, but they fought hard, especially that last-wicket partnership, which probably cost us the game there,” he added, referring to Australia’s tail-end resistance in their second innings.

India’s inability to set a solid platform in the second innings was another point of concern for Rohit. “We knew 340 wasn’t going to be easy. We tried to set a platform and keep wickets in hand for the last two sessions, but they bowled perfectly as well. We didn’t set the platform from our side,” Rohit lamented.

On a positive note, the Indian skipper praised debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored a brilliant century in the first innings. “He’s coming here for the first time, and these conditions can get really tough, but he showed great character and solid technique. He’s got everything to be successful at this level,” Rohit said.