Just a couple of days ago, India was inching towards a famous victory over Australia in Adelaide but just as everyone looked set to start the celebrations, the hosts turned the tide with their never-say-never attitude and took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Virat Kohli was at his dazzling best, while Wriddhiman Saha at the other end also showing his big-hitting prowess. But, at the crucial juncture, India first lost Saha and then, importantly, Kohli and lost the match by 48 runs.
India tried everything they could have while chasing a colossal total with Kohli leading from the front, but at crunch situation they missed the services of MS Dhoni. Dhoni has been India’s batting pillar for more than a decade now, be it in limited-overs format or Test cricket.
If there is any player that knows how to deal with pressure, it is Dhoni and he has proved it time and again. The touring party dearly missed him when the match was hung in balance, precisely 60-40 in India’s favour, and at that time the visitors needed a cool and composed head in the middle.
“Having (MS) Dhoni in a situation like this would have helped India because he keeps the scoreboard ticking,” former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar said. “He and Kohli would have looked for the big shots as well. But in cricket, there’s no place for ifs and buts.”
After a fighting effort in Adelaide, Team India has a realistic chance of levelling the four-match series at one game apiece in Brisbane. Australia will be without their talisman and regular skipper Michael Clarke, who is ruled out of the series owing to multiple injuries.
“Despite the fact that Clarke will not be around, Australia still have a lot of batting,” Gavaskar pointed out. “So, I don’t think it would have too much of an impact. It would have had an impact if India would have saved this Test.”
All-rounder Steve Smith will be leading Australia in remaining three Tests against India, with Brad Haddin named his deputy. The second Test will start from December 17 at Brisbane Cricket Ground.
