‘We failed to grab our opportunities’ - Rohit Sharma reflects on Adelaide defeat

Australia secured a commanding 10-wicket victory over India in the second of the five-match series in Adelaide. The visitors had a rough time with the bat and the bowlers failed to impress as well, resulting in a massive defeat. With the bat, the Rohit Sharma-led side posted 180 and 175 runs in the two innings, which proved far from sufficient. Travis Head’s 140 and Labuschagne’s 64 in the first innings helped the hosts in setting the tone while the bowlers did the rest.

Rohit accepted that he felt disappointed after the defeat in Adelaide but added that the team will not ponder over the past for too long. India won the opening Test in Perth by 295 runs and the players were confident of repeating the same but they failed to adapt to the conditions, especially as many of them have not played with the pink ball previously. The skipper added that every Test has its own challenge and the team's focus now will be on the third Test at Gabba, slated to begin on December 14. 

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“Disappointing week for us, we didn't play and Australia played better than us. . What we did in Perth was special. We wanted to do that again but every Test match has its own challenge. We are looking forward to it (Gabba Test). Some really good memories there. We want to start well and play well,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation.

If you take out last 5-6 match, we didn't bat well enough: Rohit Sharma

Rohit acknowledged the poor performance by the batters in the last few games. India struggled at home against New Zealand and eventually lost 3-0 to New Zealand at home. They did produce a brilliant win in Perth, however, the batting unit failed to make a mark in Adelaide, resulting in an embarrassing defeat. The 37-year-old noted that the players will have to figure out certain things and expects them to stand up to the challenge.

“It is not a scar. We lost a Test match. We need to figure certain things out about our own selves. What we want to do with the bat and ball. It is still 1-1. Plenty of things left in this series. We hope everyone stands up to the challenge. I wouldn't say worry. If you take out last 5-6 match, we didn't bat well enough, I agree,” Rohit said in the press conference.