Rohit Sharma Asserts India’s Players Are Not Affected by Australia Thrashing

India captain Rohit Sharma, who is averaging 11.83 in his past six Tests for India, stated that his side’s comprehensive defeat by Australia in the second Test will not leave his players with mental scars. Australia secured a dominant 10-wicket victory at the Adelaide Oval, leveling the five-match series at 1-1, having controlled play throughout all three days of the contest. India’s batting lineup failed to produce a half-century in either innings, and their bowling unit did not effectively utilize advantageous conditions, particularly with the pink ball under floodlights on the opening day. The third Test is scheduled to commence on 14 December at The Gabba in Brisbane. Rohit conceded that India must “figure out certain things,” yet he expressed confidence that his squad would not be burdened by the loss. “Firstly, it’s not a [mental] scar, it’s just we’ve lost a Test match. We didn’t play well enough,” he stated. “It’s still 1-1 and plenty of things left [to come] in this series and definitely a way for us to get back into it. I am not going to look too much into this game and start worrying about little things.” Rohit concurred that India was “not good enough with the bat” but voiced his conviction that their top order is capable of a turnaround in Brisbane. He added, “When you come to Australia, I feel the best chance of winning a Test match is by putting runs on the board.” He continued, “Whatever challenges are there and the conditions are tough, we want to battle it out, stay out there and grind it out. I can see guys are putting a lot of effort into their plans, in what they want to do.” Rohit indicated that the “door was open” for veteran seam bowler Mohammed Shami to potentially join India for the tour, though he noted that they needed to be “very careful” regarding his fitness. Shami has been absent from international cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup final in November of the previous year, but he resumed playing first-class cricket in November. Darren Lehmann, a former coach for Australia, commented that India ought to take a chance on the 34-year-old, who is not presently included in the touring squad for the series. Lehmann informed ABC Grandstand, “The big one for India is what do they do with their third seamer for Brisbane. That’s going to be their big talking point.” He added, “I thought India bowled a bit wide and not full enough which allowed Australia to let the ball go. So Shami needs to play in Brisbane. If they are going to risk him it’s the next one.” Former Australia seamer Stuart Clark further stated, “I’d be getting Shami in as soon as possible because we know he is a quality performer.” He continued, “Even if he can only play two of three Tests, I still think that might be a better option than what they have got.” Travis Head downplayed a verbal altercation that occurred between himself and India seamer Mohammed Siraj. Australian batter Head scored an impressive 140 on the second day before Siraj bowled him, after which the two players exchanged words. Following play on day two, Head informed a news conference that he had told Siraj “well bowled” during their exchange, but the India bowler disputed this version of events. The relationship between the two players appeared more amicable when Siraj batted on day three, and they embraced following the conclusion of the match. Head recounted to ABC Grandstand, “It was fine. He said ‘why did you swear?’ and I said ‘I didn’t at first until the second time round, when I did’. “I probably could have laughed it off and walked off. There were no issues from me. I didn’t think he was going to say anything, or expect him to, so we move on.” He concluded, “I’m not bothered. Water off a duck’s back for me. He’s the same and we move on. I have to make sure I get some runs in the next Test and not get knocked over.”