Australia Clinch Series; Kohli Faces Scrutiny

India were dismissed for 136/9 in a rain‑shortened 26‑over opener in Perth, where Virat Kohli fell for a duck. Kohli then recorded another duck in the second ODI in Adelaide, bringing intense scrutiny over his ODI form and future after two consecutive failures. Former players and commentators — including R Ashwin, Irfan Pathan, Mohammed Kaif and Abhishek Nayar — urged patience, more game time, better strike rotation and mental composure while noting seam movement and conditions had played a part. Rohit Sharma scored a gritty 73 in Adelaide and became the first batter to reach 1,000 ODI runs for India in Australia, but Australia chased 264 (Adam Zampa 4-60) to win the second ODI and clinch the series. India must regroup before the sold‑out SCG finale, which could be Kohli’s last match in Australia and is likely to draw a standing ovation.