Watch: Travis Head celebrates Rohit Sharma’s wicket after captain flops in semis-OxBig News Network

Travis Head’s animated celebration of Rohit Sharma’s wicket told the story, as the Australian players breathed a sigh of relief after dismissing the Indian skipper in the high-stakes Champions Trophy semi-final on Tuesday in Dubai. Head punched the air in delight after Rohit was dismissed by rookie left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly in the eighth over of the chase, with India losing two wickets during the powerplay.

In slow motion, Head’s exuberant reaction was captured as Australia gathered around Connolly to celebrate the big wicket that silenced the Indian fans in Dubai.

IND vs AUS semi-final Updates

Rohit Sharma was undoubtedly the prized wicket for Australia, having demolished them in their T20 World Cup encounter last year. His dismissal had also been a turning point in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. On that occasion, after getting off to a blistering start, Rohit fell for 47 off 31 balls following a sensational catch by Travis Head on November 19. That day, luck was not on Rohit’s side, as he was dismissed after his very first mistake.

However, in Tuesday’s Champions Trophy semi-final, Rohit Sharma seemed to ride his luck. The Indian captain was dropped twice, on 13 and 14, within the first three overs. Ironically, it was Cooper Connolly who dropped him in the second over, bowled by Nathan Ellis.

Rohit struck three boundaries and a six in an attempt to set an aggressive tone for India. However, he appeared overly eager to go for big shots.

Despite the two reprieves, Rohit was unable to capitalise on his extra chances. In the eighth over, he attempted to sweep left-arm spinner Connolly but failed to make contact, resulting in him being trapped in front.

Although the dismissal looked plumb, Rohit opted to challenge the on-field decision. However, India lost the review as ball-tracking confirmed three reds.

Rohit Sharma’s intent was questioned, as he was expected to play a longer innings, particularly after the early wicket of Shubman Gill. India found themselves under early pressure at 43 for 2 in the powerplay while chasing a target of 265.

Earlier in the day, Mohammed Shami starred with three wickets as India did well to restrict Australia to 264. Steve Smith’s composed 73 and Alex Carey’s brisk 61 helped the reigning champions post a competitive total on a tricky Dubai pitch. Meanwhile, Varun Chakravarthy, who was retained in India’s XI for the semi-final, claimed the crucial wicket of Travis Head early in the Australian innings.