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

#3 A guide to team selection

KL Rahul

Through constant experimentation over the years, the Indian team management has successfully created a pool of extremely talented players. However, despite a lot of efforts, the think tank has not been able to sort out a few issues – the No. 4 slot, the backup opener, the finisher and the backup wicket-keeper.

Still in pursuit for those answers, the selectors chose to once again give opportunities to young talented players like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. In the very limited opportunities they received, they showed glimpses of their potential. However, they could not transform their starts into match-winning performances and therefore, could not really make a big impression with their presence.

A good performance here would have only enhanced the selectors’ dilemma in choosing young talent over experienced veterans. The below-par performances of Rahul and Pant have probably eased the decision-making of the management; they are now likely to go with experience rather than youth, which may be a wise decision considering the intensity of the marquee event.