Rohit Sharma Confident India Will Bounce Back

Rohit Sharma dismissed concerns about long-term effects following his team’s crushing 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test at Adelaide Oval which leveled the five-match series 1-1. Despite being outplayed over three days, Rohit stressed the importance of moving forward, stating, “It’s not a [mental] scar; it’s just a Test match we lost.

We didn’t play well enough.” India struggled in both innings with no batter reaching a half-century and their bowlers failing to capitalize on favorable conditions, particularly under the floodlights with the pink ball. Rohit acknowledged the need to improve but remained optimistic about his team’s ability to regroup ahead of the third Test in Brisbane on December 14.

He emphasized the importance of scoring runs in challenging conditions and expressed confidence in the top order’s ability to respond. Meanwhile, there is speculation about including Mohammed Shami, who has been absent from international cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup final but recently returned to first-class cricket.

Rohit Sharma left the “door open” for Shami while former Australia coach Darren Lehmann urged India to “risk him” at Brisbane, citing his quality and experience. Ex-Australia bowler Stuart Clark echoed the sentiment, suggesting Shami could be a better option even if he plays only part of the series. Separately, Travis Head downplayed a verbal exchange with Indian bowler Mohammed Siraj during the second Test.

Head, who scored a brilliant 140, clarified that the altercation was minor and resolved by the match’s conclusion. Both players embraced after the game with Head describing the incident as “water off a duck’s back.” He added that his focus remains on contributing more runs in the next match. India aims to bounce back as Australia looks to build on their momentum heading into the Brisbane Test.