Ind vs Aus 2019: 5 reasons why India lost the ODI series

India lost the ODI series 3-2, despite taking a 2-0 lead in the series. It was a spirited performance by the Aussie side that travelled to India without some of their key players. It looked all good for India after the first two games but Australia fought back to beat the home side by winning the final three games of the series.

With the World Cup less than three months away and no ODI games in between, the form of some of their players is a huge concern for Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri. India would want their star players to get back to form in IPL. Despite a lot of experimentation throughout the series, India are still unsure of their best XI for the mega event in England this summer.

On that note, let’s take a look at 5 reasons why India lost the ODI series against Australia at home.

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#1 India failed to get their team balance right in Hardik Pandya’s absence

New Zealand v India - ODI Game 5

Despite a lot of changes and experimentation, India failed to get their team balance right throughout the ODI series. They went with two genuine pacers in the first four games and Ravindra Jadeja was played the role of an all-rounder India missed a third seamer and the absence of Hardik Pandya has affected the team balance.

With Pandya in the team, India can play both the wrist spinners, which gives Kohli a lot of variety in the bowling attack. Without Pandya, India are forced to play Jadeja in the team as Vijay Shankar was not so convincing with the ball.

Though Kuldeep played all the games, Chahal was slotted into the team just for the fourth ODI. Chahal has been phenomenal in ODIs for quite some time and not playing him enough is one of the major reasons behind India’s downfall in the series.

#2 Openers failed to give starts

India v Australia - ODI Series: Game 5

It was not a great series for the India openers. Arguably the best opening pair in limited overs cricket at the moment, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have failed to hit their heights in the ODI series.

They were completely nullified by Aussie bowlers in the first three games but the duo came back and forged a 193-run partnership in the fourth ODI. Except for one brilliant innings, Shikhar Dhawan was poor throughout the series with just 177 runs in five games. Rohit Sharma too did not have a series to remember.

#3 Middle order looks a lot fragile and unprepared

India v Australia - ODI Series: Game 5

Middle order seems to be the biggest worry for Team India ahead of the World Cup. The No.4 spot in the batting order is still up for taking as Ambati Rayudu failed miserably in the ODI series.

Rayudu scored just 33 runs in three games and was dropped after the third ODI. Dhoni was rested for the last two games and Pant got an opportunity to show his skills. However, the young wicket-keeper batsman failed miserably behind the stumps in fourth ODI and not convincing worn bat either. Vijay Shankar showed flashes of brilliance but was not consistent enough to warrant a place in the XI.

#4 Yuzvendra Chahal underutilized

India v Australia - ODI Series: Game 4

Yuzvendra Chahal picked up 27 wickets in 17 ODI games last year and 16 wickets in just seven games this calendar year, yet, he found a place in the XI for just one game in the series.

Though Pandya’s absence was the main reason, Kohli could have played Chahal instead of Jadeja and trusted his seven other batsmen to do the job with the bat. Chahal is a genuine wicket-taker and his absence allowed Australian middle order to play without pressure.

#5 Over-dependence on Virat Kohli

India v Australia - ODI Series: Game 5

This has become a huge concern for India in recent times and the ODI series against Australia clearly exposed India’s over-dependence on Virat Kohli. Kohli was India’s top run-getter in the series and when he failed, Indian batting lineup collapsed without a fight. India cannot expect Kohli to score big in all the games and others need to step up if India are to put up a good show in the World Cup.