MCG defeat raises crucial question: Can India take hard call on seniors?

At tea on the final day of the Boxing Day Test at a buzzing Melbourne Cricket Ground, India were 112 for 3 with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant looking set for a long haul.

- ASHISH MAGOTRA

The match was inching towards a draw. But soon after, Pant was dismissed while trying to hit one out of the park, India lost their remaining six wickets for 34 runs.

Australia now lead the series 2-1 going into the final Test in Sydney.

But where did India lose the match? Did they lose because of another batting collapse? Was it because they had let Australia off the hook by dropping four catches after pinning them at 91 for 6 on Day 4? Was it because they got their team selection wrong by resting Shubman Gill and playing an extra spinner who was not really utilised? Was it because Jaiswal was declared caught behind even though "Snicko" had not caught the nick?

There were questions galore, but one that was more poignant than the rest: Is it time to take a hard call on seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?

In five innings during this tour of Australia, India skipper Sharma, now 37, has just faced 110 deliveries while scoring 31 runs at an average of 6.2. He looks tired and slow, and not from spending time at the crease.