There are ways to win games and we are falling short – Rohit Sharma

Things went off the rails for Team India as a late batting collapse allowed Australia to run away with the bragging rights of the fourth Test, propelling them to a 2-1 lead with a game to spare. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant did come in tandem to try and push back the Aussie invasion but once the two fell, from thereon, it was a session of desperation which eventually culminated into despair.

India captain, Rohit Sharma opened up on the defeat at Melbourne, highlighting the dynamics of the fixture and how India wanted to bow out with a fight to remember. He also pointed out that India had their fair shares of chances throughout the game but failing to take them cost them dearly. He had a special praise for the youngsters who performed well, underscoring the fact that they have a bright future ahead.

Talking in the post-match presentation, Rohit said, “Pretty disappointing. Not that we went with the intent of not putting up a fight, we wanted to fight till the end but unfortunately couldn't do it. It will be tough to assess just the last session. We have to look at the overall Test match, we had our opportunities, we had our chances, but we didn't take them and we let Australia come back into the game when we had them 90/6.”

He further added, “I know things can get difficult but that is what we are here for, we wanted to be in tough situations and play hard cricket, I just don't want to look at one incident in the game. I went back to my room and thought about it, what else we could have done as a team but we tried everything we could, we threw everything we had but they fought hard with the last wicket partnership, we had our chances and we didn't grab them, probably cost us the game a little bit there.”

Underlining the magnitude of the score that India needed to shoot down, Sharma said, “We know 340 wasn't going to be easy for us. We tried everything we could, if we have wickets in the final two sessions then we could go for the target, but they bowled really well. We wanted to set the platform but that didn't happen. There are ways to win games and we are falling short.”

Shedding light on Nitish Kumar Reddy’s brilliant showdown, Rohit added, “He (Nitish Reddy) is coming here for the first time, these conditions can get tough but he has shown a lot of character and fight, showed solid technique as well. He has a bright future ahead of him and he has all the skills to be successful. We know the quality of him, we have been watching him for a number of years now, coming here and getting the job done for the team, he is not a statistical person, wants to just come out there and play for the country, that is what he has been doing on this tour, unfortunately he needs little more support from the other side as well. The way he has managed himself is outstanding.”