India vs Australia 2019: 3 reasons why losing the ODI series could be a blessing in disguise for India

#2 A guard against over-confidence

Team India

Since June 2016, Team India has won every ODI series against every opponent around the world except ICC Champions Trophy (England) and the away series versus England. They cannot be blamed for being a little overconfident; after all, they have thrashed everyone they have played in the last three years.

Confidence is a great trait and is extremely vital going into a big tournament like the ICC World Cup. But just a little too much of it, and you may end up repenting your actions for years.

An unexpected home ODI series loss despite playing their best XI (almost) will keep them grounded. More importantly, it will remind them that they are not invincible, and that a poor performance will lead to a defeat.

Going by the stats, they may look a far better side on paper than any other, but they should not consider any team easy. There have been quite a few World Cup upsets in the past; Indian fans will undoubtedly remember their team's ICC World Cup 2007 campaign, which came to an miserable end with an extremely disappointing loss against Bangladesh.

Needless to say, India needs to maintain the same level of intensity against every opponent to avoid any upsets at the mega event. And a loss against the weak Australian on home soil will ensure that no complacency sneaks in.