Though India won the third ODI Match against Australia by 13 runs, the hosts had already clinched the three-match series by trouncing the visitors in first two matches . India were hammered by 66 runs in the opening encounter by the Aussies before losing the second ODI by 51 runs.
India had lost a three match ODI series against New Zealand in February this year, before the coronavirus pandemic led to the suspension of all cricketing activities. Playing the first ODI after the COVID-19 break, India would have hoped for a better start. However, things didn’t work out as per theeir expectations.
Let’s look at the 5 key factors that played a crucial role in India's crushing defeat:
1. Opening bowling attack, failed to deliver
One of the main reasons behind India’s defeat in first two ODIs was the failure of the opening bowling attack to provide early breakthroughs. Aaron finch and David Warner smashed down the Indian bowlers with a partnership of 156 runs and 142 runs in the first two matches.
2. Virat Kohli’s captaincy issues
Serious questions have been raised over Virat Kohli's captaincy in this series. The Indian captain was criticised for removig Bumrah from bowling attack just after his two overs and handing over the ball to Navdeep Saini, in the second ODI.
3.Rohit Sharma’s absence.
Rohit Sharma’s absence has left a gaping hole in the top order. Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan did get a swift start in the monster chase but were unable to capitalize on it and got sucked in the pressure. While Mayank Agarwal's abilities and talent can't be questioned, his performance showed that it will be unfair, at this stage, to expect him to fill the void created by Rohit's absence.
4. An out-of-form Shreyas Iyer
Middle order batsman Shreyas Iyer, whose captaincy and batting prowess led Delhi Capitals to the IPL finals, was unable to provide good performance in the series. Iyer got out on 2 runs, 38 runs and 19 runs in three matches. And his consistent failure in this series cost India dearly.
5.Yuzvendra Chahal turned too expensive.
Chahal’s bowling didn’t go well for the Indian team, as the bowler got brutally smashed by Australian batters and just took 1 wicket in three matches. Chahal turned out to be the most expensive bowler in this ODI series.