Rohit Sharma’s resilient 73 went in vain as India surrendered the three-match ODI series against Australia after a two-wicket defeat in the second game here on Thursday, raising fresh debate over the controversial omission of seasoned spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

Rohit anchored India’s 264 for 9 with a measured 97-ball knock on a tricky Adelaide pitch, but the total fell at least 25 short of a par score. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, failed again, dismissed for a duck for the second consecutive match, leaving fans anxious.

Australia’s reply saw Cooper Connolly (61 not out off 53 balls) and Mitchell Owen (36 off 23 balls) flay both pacers and spinners in a decisive sixth-wicket stand of 59 runs in just 6.3 overs. The duo guided the visitors to 266 for 8 in 46.2 overs, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

“Sometimes it’s about weathering the storm and picking the right moments,” Connolly said after the match, evoking memories of Michael Bevan for his calm finish under pressure.

India’s tactical errors were exposed in the field as Nitish Reddy, brought in as a multi-skilled option, failed to deliver the impact a specialist spinner like Kuldeep might have provided.

Also read: Virat Kohli ends Adelaide ODI innings with back-to-back ducks

Reddy scored eight runs from ten deliveries and conceded 24 runs in his three-over spell, while Axar Patel (1/52) and Washington Sundar (2/37) struggled to contain Australian momentum.

The innings had been built on Rohit’s grit. After surviving 17 consecutive dot balls from Josh Hazlewood, he gradually found his rhythm, producing elegant flicks and powerful pull shots. His brief resurgence included signature inside-out strokes off Adam Zampa and a flurry of boundaries off Mitchell Owen, keeping India in contention until his eventual dismissal prevented a potential century.

Australia had earlier stumbled against the spinners, but Matthew Short (74) laid the foundation for a late flourish, while Mitchell Owen’s assault tilted the game decisively.

Despite the loss, Rohit’s innings offered a glimpse of his enduring class and hinted at his ability to contribute in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup. Kohli, however, looked under sustained pressure and departed meekly, acknowledging the Adelaide crowd with a gesture that many feared could mark the end of an era at the venue.

The three-match series will conclude with an inconsequential ODI in Canberra on October 25, as Australia celebrates their hard-fought victory.