KL Rahul’s struggles with the bat continued as he was dismissed for a five-ball duck on Day 5 of the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Coming in at No. 3 after Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, Rahul was caught by Usman Khawaja in the slips off a sharp delivery from Australian skipper Pat Cummins on the last ball of the 17th over.
The morning session saw India’s top-order crumble under pressure in their daunting chase of 340 runs. Rohit Sharma, who had started the day with intent, was dismissed on the first ball of the same over by Cummins for a gritty 9 off 40 balls. The opening partnership between Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal added 25 runs in 16.1 overs before Cummins struck twice quickly, leaving India reeling.
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Rahul, who had scored a couple of half-centuries in the series and managed 24 runs in the first innings of this match, couldn’t replicate his earlier form. His dismissal left his wife, Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty, visibly disappointed in the stands. A clip capturing Athiya’s dejected reaction has since gone viral, adding a personal dimension to an already tense match situation.
Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty’s reaction on KL Rahul’s Wicket. [Hotstar]#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/t58FydFImU
— Digital Hunt 247 (@digitalhunt247) December 30, 2024
Anushka Sharma & Athiya Shetty’s reaction after KL Rahul got out for Duck 🦆 by skipper Pat Cummins.#INDvsAUS #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/apmp7yt1mt
— The Great Khan ☸️ (@GreatChinggis) December 30, 2024
India’s woes deepened when Virat Kohli fell just before lunch. The former skipper, known for his dominance against Australia with nine Test centuries, could only muster 5 runs off 29 balls. Kohli was caught by Khawaja off Mitchell Starc on the first ball of the 27th over, compounding India’s troubles.
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At lunch, India found themselves struggling at 33/3, still 307 runs short of an improbable victory. With the MCG pitch showing signs of wear but favouring the bowlers, the task ahead looks monumental. Australia, who hold a commanding position, seem poised to take control of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, barring a miraculous turnaround by the Indian lower order.
