Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 23: India’s struggles continued in Australia as the hosts clinched the second ODI on Thursday to secure an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series. The loss also marked India’s first ODI defeat in Adelaide in 17 years.

Despite solid batting efforts from Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Axar Patel, India’s bowling and fielding lapses proved costly. Australia chased down the 265-run target with two wickets and 22 balls to spare, aided by dropped catches from Indian fielders.

Youngster Cooper Connolly emerged as the hero for Australia with an unbeaten 61, guiding his side to a hard-fought victory after they had won the series opener by seven wickets on Sunday.

The defeat sparked criticism from fans, who took to social media to question India’s team selection, fielding errors, and head coach Gautam Gambhir’s strategies.

“Not possible to win with this bowling attack. Only Siraj is the main bowler,” wrote one user, while another said, “Gambhir’s obsession with all-rounders is depriving Kuldeep Yadav of opportunities.”

Others lamented India’s drop in form since Rohit Sharma’s removal as ODI captain. “A team that looked unbeatable for the past few years is now struggling against an average Australian side,” one fan noted.

India will look to salvage pride in the final ODI on Saturday at the Sydney Cricket Ground before the Suryakumar Yadav-led T20I squad faces Australia in a five-match series.