The never say die attitude of Aussies is back in their performance as they emerge victorious in the Mohali run fest. The 4^th ODI between these two sides saw some outstanding batting display including some eye-pleasing shots, and Australia ensured they achieved the victory making it their 5^th highest successful run chase. The five-match ODI series is nicely poised at 2-2 and it all boils down to the decider at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in Delhi.

Winning the toss, India decided to put runs on the board making four changes in their side. KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Chahal were the four replacements being given an opportunity to prove their individual capabilities ahead of the world cup. MS Dhoni, obviously made way for Rishabh Pant, since he was rested for the last two ODIs.

The Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan had to prove themselves ahead of this ODI since their batting wasn’t up to the potential that both of them usually carry along with their performance, and there couldn’t have been better conditions than this to prove your worth. The Indian openers took brilliant advantage of the flat Mohali deck and scored their highest ever opening partnership of 193. Unfortunately, Rohit Sharma missed out on a ton only by 5 runs but Shikhar Dhawan ensured he proved all the critics wrong and showed a glimpse of what he can deliver for India in the upcoming World Cup. His 143 guided India to a huge total of 358, not to mention the last ball finishing six by Jasprit Bumrah that had the whole team on feet!

Unfortunately, India were at the wrong side of dew for the second consecutive time which proved to be a game changer with a lot of bowling options and variations being ruled out. But credit where due, the Australian batsmen where right on top and made excellent use of the conditions making it look a comfortable chase in the end, particularly Handscomb and Turner.

This match was a flashback to 2013 when James Faulkner hammered Ishant Sharma all over the park at the same venue and both these losses definitely hurt India on multiple levels.

This loss would have got Team India thinking again about so many options due to which the confidence levels must have slightly decreased in the camp. Although India could look from a perspective of another final opportunity that they have before the World Cup. They should be looking at small elements before thinking about the World Cup, as a series win comes first, an individual match victory comes first, and combined performances of individual departments come first before everything. Just a matter of a match to push things back to our side and end the series on a high note before the most awaited tournament.