AUS vs SA: Gautam Gambhir Opens Up On Mitchell Marsh's Costly Dropped Catch Against India, Says 'Australia May Not Reach The Semifinals'

Former India batsman Gautam Gambhir has said that Mitchell Marsh dropping Virat Kohli in their World Cup opener could back to haunt Australia in the latter stages of the ongoing 2023 World Cup.

Marsh made a costly mistake during Australia’s huge World Cup clash against hosts India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (October 8). Chasing a modest total of 200 runs, Team India were off to a disastrous start. Mitchell Marsh dismissed Ishan Kishan for a duck in the very first over before Josh Hazlewood dismissed Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer for a duck too to leave India reeling at 2 for 3.

18 runs later, Australia had the opportunity to put themselves firmly in the driver’s seat. Hazlewood had outfoxed Virat Kohli with a well-directed bouncer. The former India skipper ended up top-edging the ball and was looking destined to return to the pavilion only to see Marsh dropping an easy catch.

Kohli, who was batting on 12 at that time, made the most of the reprieve. He went on to score 85 runs and shared a decisive 165-run stand with KL Rahul who remained unbeaten on 97. India won the game by six wickets to start their campaign with a win.

Gautam Gambhir warns Australia:

As Australia look to bounce back and open their account in the 2023 World Cup, Gautam Gambhir has said that the five-time world champions may very well miss out on finishing in the top four because of the dropped catch. Speaking to Sportskeeda, the World Cup winner said:

“India would have been under a lot of pressure had they been at 10-4 or 20-4. With a batter like Kohli dismissed, it would have been difficult for India to chase down the score. So, not only did Australia lose the match with that dropped catch, they have possibly lost a place in the semis as well.”

“The World Cup is such a tournament that due to this dropped catch, Australia might find themselves out of the top four and not reach the semi finals. After losing to India, Australia’s remaining matches against the top sides will be must-win encounters,” added Gautam Gambhir.

Australia will be in action next on Thursday (October 12) when they lock horns against South Africa in Lucknow. India, on the other hand, will take on Afghanistan on Wednesday (October 11) in Delhi.