"Three very loose shots" - Former coach slams Indian batting after defeat in BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Former Team India coach Ravi Shastri has slammed Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant after the Men in Blue's defeat in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The 62-year-old was especially critical of their second-innings dismissal that sparked a massive collapse.

Kohli's dismissal pattern of chasing balls outside the off stump continued. Rohit played a flick shot to be caught by Mitchell Marsh, departing for another single-figure score. Pant, on the other hand, miscued a pull shot to long-on, which was the turning point on Day 5.

Writing in his column for The Daily Telegraph, Shastri stated that the visitors' problems are exacerbated by their captain being horribly out of form.

"There will be a few of other second-innings dismissals that will be scrutinized in India as well, involving two senior players and a youngster. Three very loose shots. It doesn’t help when one of it involved the captain who is struggling. Also doesn’t help when Cummins raises his game to a scale of 8 or 9 when up against his counterpart, who is at the opposite end of the scale," Shastri said via Indian Express.

Rohit Sharma has managed to register the highest score of 11 in this series. Following his dismal performances in the series, reports have emerged that he will retire from Test cricket after the final match in Sydney. Ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah remains the favorite to succeed him as Team India captain.

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"Amazing to see the Indian crowds having traveled from all parts of the globe" - Ravi Shastri

Over 350000 showed up at the MCG. (Credits: Getty)

Australia have taken an important lead in the five-match series, having won the crucial encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). India won the first Test in Perth before the home side returned favor in the day-night fixture in Adelaide. The third Test of the series at the Gabba ended in a draw

Shastri opined that the tourists have probably lost their hold on the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy, adding:

"It was amazing to see the Indian crowds having travelled from all parts of the globe to come experience Test cricket at its best at the ‘G. Unfortunately for them, some poor shot selection on either side of the middle session on the final day cost India the game. And probably has ensured that India may have lost their grip on the Border Gavaskar Trophy with one Test to go."

To retain the trophy, Rohit and company must win the final Test in Sydney. Winning the fifth game will also ensure that the tourists' World Test Championship (WTC) hopes are alive. Australia, meanwhile, have the opportunity to regain the trophy for the first time in a decade, needing a win or draw.