India's Hopes Crumble as Australia Takes 2-1 Lead in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India’s pursuit of a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy win on Australian soil has suffered a setback after another dramatic batting collapse. With Australia leading 2-1 in the series, India now faces the prospect of losing the series for the first time since 2014, as the fourth and final Test approaches.

Chasing a daunting target of 340, India’s top order faltered early, losing their first three wickets cheaply. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant briefly revived the innings, raising hopes of a draw. But the turning point came after the third session when part-time bowler Travis Head broke through, dismissing Pant. The collapse that followed was swift and irreversible.

India was bowled out for just 155 in 79.1 overs, with Australia winning the Boxing Day Test by a commanding 184 runs on the fifth and final day. Speaking to reporters in Melbourne, India captain Rohit Sharma admitted that the performance was “mentally disturbing.”

“It is mentally disturbing when you can’t do what you’ve come to do,” said Rohit. “It’s pretty disappointing. There are ways to win games, and we fell short in finding those ways. We wanted to fight till the end, and unfortunately, we couldn’t do it.”

Rohit reflected on India’s earlier success in having Australia at 90 for 6, acknowledging the opportunity but also recognizing the team’s failure to capitalize. “We know things can get tough, but we wanted to play tough cricket from hard situations. But we were not good enough. I went back to my room and thought about what else we could have done as a team. We threw everything we had, but they fought hard, especially that last-wicket partnership, which probably cost us the game,” he added.

While the target of 340 was always going to be challenging, Rohit emphasized that the team remained positive and focused on the chase. "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 wanted to go for the target, but we didn’t set the platform from our side," he said.

Despite the loss, there were notable individual performances from India. Jasprit Bumrah impressed with his nine wickets in the match, while Jaiswal played crucial innings of 82 and 84. Nitish Reddy also made a strong impact, scoring a fighting century in the first innings to keep India in the contest. Rohit praised Reddy’s technique and composure, noting his potential for success at the Test level.

“He’s (Reddy) coming here for the first time, and these conditions can get really tough. But he showed great character and solid technique,” said Rohit. “He’s got everything to succeed at this level. I hope he goes from strength to strength, and he has all the backing from the team as well.”

With the series hanging in the balance, India will look to regroup and fight for a strong finish in the final Test.