India vs Australia, 1st Test, 2018, 1st inning

He stared at his bat in disbelief.

He couldn't have played this shot in a Test match--and right after getting a reprieve in the same way just the last ball.

He knew he had been properly set. He and Puji could've fished India out of trouble. Instead, he had done this.

Rohit walked off with his head right down. Well, he always walked off with his head right down--but never had he felt so ashamed of himself before.

He reached the dugout, looking so miserable that Virat said comfortingly, "You played really well before that last shot, Rohit--better than all of us."

Rohit forced a smile at Virat. Then he noticed Jinks about to say something.

He could not bear to take sympathy from the people who had fought tooth and nail to make him play. In fact, he couldn't even stay in the same room with the two people he had just let down this badly.

Before Jinks could say anything, Rohit had shot to his feet and disappeared into the dressing room, his eyes smarting.

"He's predictably a bit upset," said Jadeja in a low voice so that only Ashwin, who was putting on his pad, could hear.

Ash nodded, but he couldn't think about anything like that now, because no doubt Pant would throw away his wicket any moment. He had to focus on batting.

Virat looked at Jinks in dismay. What do we do? his eyes asked.

Go to him? Jinks looked doubtful. I don't understand why he ran away.

He played a terrible shot, said Virat sadly.

But he often plays terrible shots--and it never affects him like this! argued Jinks.

Maybe because this is Test cricket, concluded Virat.

Oh--right! You got it, Virat, said Jinks. The best you can do is go and show him you still trust him.

Absolutely, agreed Virat, standing up.

Hey, wait! Jinks cried. Shall I come too? With all due respect, you've always been a little short on tact...

Don't insult me, Jinks, scowled Virat.

Virat went into the dressing room swiftly. Rahane sat back to wait.