A friend and die-hard cricket fan posted on Facebook after Ishant Sharma’s crucial over in which he gave away 30 runs to bring Australia back into Saturday’s ODI at Mohali: ‘Cricket is a batter’s game, more so in the shorter version which is harsher on a bowler than Test cricket.”

With 44 needed off 18 balls, the game seemed beyond the Aussies’ grasp. Ishant, an experienced bowler bowls the 48th over and starts with one full and wide.

Next one, short; third one, a length ball; fourth... short again; fifth... another short ball and the last one… once again short. It seemed the pressure choked him and his long mane was not helping him to relax and think what needed to be done in crucial match situations.

Captain MS Dhoni was absolutely right when he said: “I think the last few overs were disappointing. It is an area of concern and it’s getting worse. Individuals will have to step up. You have to back your strength. You don’t need to spoon-feed bowlers at the international level.”

Ouch: Ishant Sharma rues another bad ball during Saturday’s ODI against Australia at Mohali