Australia has surged back into the five-game ODI series with consecutive victories in Ranchi and Mohali. With the series now tied at 2-2, Aaron Finch’s team aims to maintain their winning streak in the Delhi decider and avenge their earlier losses in India.
Taking down India in a final ODI match is no small feat. Having won 11 of their last 12 deciding encounters under Virat Kohli, the hosts possess a level of composure and confidence in these games that is hard to beat.
Aside from a loss to South Africa in Mumbai, India has remained undefeated in all home deciders. Their most notable failure in a deciding match happened on foreign soil against England, where Joe Root's brilliance steered the Three Lions to win.
Nevertheless, India's dominance in the 50-over game is currently under threat, and Kohli must ensure they deliver on home turf to keep their winning streak alive.
India struggled to read the pitch conditions in the previous two games; they were caught off guard by the lack of dew in Ranchi and suffered the consequences of batting first in Mohali when late-game dew favored the opposition.
Captain Kohli has emphasized that the team needs to focus on the variables within their control, stressing that a much sharper fielding performance is non-negotiable.
\"The pitch was excellent throughout. We were unlucky with the dew in both games, but we can't use that as an excuse. It was particularly tough to bowl at the end, and conceding 10 runs per over after losing five wickets was a bitter pill to swallow,\" Kohli admitted during the post-match press conference.
Following the shocking loss in Mohali, the Indian side must mentally reset quickly. With the World Cup fast approaching, it's crucial for the senior players to step up and lead by example in this final match to secure the series.