India’s young stars, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal, had a day to forget in Australia. Both walked off the field without scoring a single run. Facing a strong Australian bowling attack, Jaiswal lasted 8 balls, while Padikkal survived 23. Together, they scored 0 runs in 31 deliveries.
A Slow and Painful Start
Jaiswal, known for his attacking game, looked shaky from the beginning. He tried to play outside the off-stump but failed to connect. His nervousness was clear. Finally, he edged a delivery to the slip and walked back disappointed.
Padikkal’s innings was even stranger. He didn’t try to score at all. Ball after ball, he defended cautiously but failed to find the gaps. Fans watching the game couldn’t believe what they were seeing. After facing 23 balls, Padikkal was bowled by a sharp delivery.
Fans React with Frustration
Indian fans were quick to share their thoughts online. Social media was flooded with memes and jokes about the top-order performance. Many questioned how two promising players could struggle so badly.
One fan joked, “Are Jaiswal and Padikkal playing cricket or testing the patience of the crowd?” Another said, “Even a tortoise would have scored faster than this!”
While some fans laughed, others were deeply disappointed. They expected Jaiswal and Padikkal to shine on the big stage, but instead, the pair crumbled under pressure.
Coach Speaks Out
India’s coach addressed the media after the match. He didn’t hide his disappointment. “It’s tough to see such a start,” he said. “The boys are talented, but they didn’t show the intent we needed. International cricket demands quick adjustments, and we failed today.”
He also defended the players, saying they are young and learning. “These are early days for them. We need to give them time to grow,” he added.
Australia’s Bowlers Shine
Australia’s bowlers deserve credit for their performance. They bowled with precision, making life difficult for the Indian batters. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins led the attack with sharp pace and perfect lengths. The pitch offered some bounce and movement, and the bowlers made the most of it.
Starc later said, “We had a clear plan. We knew if we kept the pressure on, wickets would come.” Cummins added, “It’s always great to see young players being tested. Today, it worked in our favor.”
Concerns for India
This poor performance raises questions about India’s preparations. Jaiswal and Padikkal are considered future stars, but their inconsistency is worrying. Fans wonder if they are ready for the international stage.
India is in a transition phase, with many young players stepping in. However, failures like this show the challenges of rebuilding a team. The management will need to support the players while also demanding better performances.
What’s Next?
India still has a chance to turn things around. The tour has just begun, and the team has plenty of time to bounce back. Jaiswal and Padikkal will need to regroup, learn from their mistakes, and come back stronger.
The captain also backed the young players after the match. “It’s just one game. They’ll learn and improve. We have full faith in their abilities,” he said.
Final Thoughts
Cricket can be a cruel game. One bad day can erase all the good work done before. Jaiswal and Padikkal had a tough outing, but this is not the end of their journey.
Great players often rise from their failures. Fans hope this setback will motivate them to perform better in the next game. With the right mindset, they can bounce back and make their mark in the series.
For now, India’s top order must reflect, adjust, and prepare to fight back. The spotlight is on them. Will they deliver? Only time will tell.
