Who said what - top 5 expert reactions to India's heavy defeat to Australia in 2nd BGT 2024-25 Test ft. Adam Gilchrist

Team India suffered a humiliating 10-wicket loss against Australia in the second fixture of the five-match Test series in Adelaide. With the victory, the hosts leveled the five-match series 1-1.

After opting to bat first, India were put into deep waters by the Australian pace bowling unit. KL Rahul (37) and Shubman Gill (31) started well, but couldn't convert their starts into a big knock. The much-needed push came from Nitish Kumar Reddy (42), who helped the side to compile a respectable 180-run total.

In response, Travis Head again emerged as a tormentor for the visitors as he slammed 140 to pave the way for Australia to secure a 157-run first innings lead.

Although, a bounceback was expected from India akin to the Perth Test, the Indian batters completely failed to succeed against the pink ball. Reddy (42) was again the top-scorer, as India were all-out for 175. Then, Australia chased down the 19-run total with 10 wickets to spare.

On that note, let's take a look at the expert reactions to India's shattering loss against Australia.

---

#1 Aakash Chopra

Former cricketer-turned-commentator, Aakash Chopra took to his YouTube channel to discuss India's loss. According to him, the Indian bowling failed to put the opposition under pressure with their wayward lengths during the twiling time, where it's difficult to counter the pink-ball threat.

Here's what he said:

"During the twilight time, you have to focus on bowling stump-stump. There was a difference in both teams' lines and Australian batters were allowed to leave the ball amid tough period, which resulted in them gaining the edge."

Further, Chopra pointed out that India lacks a test specialist like Cheteshwar Pujara, who could play session by session and tire out the Australian bowling unit.

"Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith all are test specialists. We have players who play across all formats and have all shots in their books. There is no one like Cheteshwara Pujara in the team, who could be patient enough to score runs."

---

#2 Sunil Gavaskar

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar appeared on India Today and opined that captain Rohit Sharma should be opening the batting from the third Test. He said:

"Now that Rohit is back, he should open the batting. It is also because when the new ball is there, he can take advantage of more open spaces and get going."

On being asked whether Jasprit Bumrah should play all five Tests, Gavaskar was critical of bowlers' workload management during an important series. He feels the star pacer should be used intelligently by the captain, as he is the only one who has the ability to run down any batting line-up.

"I'd like Bumrah to play all five test matches. You're playing for the country, and there is no question of workload. This test also finished in less than three days. If he doesn't have injury concerns, he must play."

---

#3 Adam Gilchrist

In an interaction with Harsha Bhogle on Cricbuzz, former Australian keeper Adam Gilchrist praised Mitchell Starc for securing an early breakthrough on Sunday, which resulted in the downfall of the Indian team.

Moreover, he also feels India was undercooked with the pink ball, as compared to Australia, who have been exceptional in day-night Tests.

Gilchrist said:

"I was hoping for a partnership from both players [Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy] but Mitchell Starc put an end to that. As soon as it happened, inevitable was going to turn up."

"It's tough for touring teams to come here do well in pink-ball tests. There was a huge advantage to Australia who have had experience of it and they executed their skills brilliantly."

Gilchrist also advised Rohit Sharma to play as an opener, which is his familiar position.

"I would suggest Rohit to go back to the top-order. He will be better for the run, better for the experience. He can then lead from the front in a familiar position."

---

#4 Parthiv Patel

Former wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel took part in an interview on Cricbuzz. He shared his belief that India's momentum was halted with a long gap between both Tests along with an inexperience of playing with a pink ball.

Patel said:

"The 11-day gap between two tests and inexperience in pink-ball tests certainly showed up in India's loss. But, I expected a tough fight from India, given their impressive performances in Perth."

Meanwhile, Patel lauded Nitish Kumar Reddy for his impressive knocks in both innings.

"The only positive thing for India was Nitish Reddy. He applied himself well under testing conditions, defended the ball well and and also showed his merit with his ball-striking abilities. He has given us a glimpse of a bright future."

---

#5 Sanjay Manjrekar

Former cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar was critical of Indian top-order batters performance in swing-friendly conditions.

Here's what he said in an interaction with ESPNcricinfo:

"The pitch during the second innings in Perth changed dramatically and became a flat Indian surface. However, Adelaide surface was a reality check of foreign conditions where bowlers are having their way."

Manjrekar also felt that India's bowling performance was disappointing under the lights. He pointed out that the presence of Mohammed Shami could have done wonders for the side.

"There is a lack of experience in the Indian bowling unit. Just put Mohammed Shami in the evening session and the story could have been different. There wasn't relentless quality bowling and the Indian attack suddenly looked average."