Former India Aakash Chopra has pointed at the real reason behind the Indian team struggling in Australia ODIs. Many believe that India lacked the balance in the playing XI that Australia had and that was because the visitors lacked all-rounders in the side. The lack was highlighted particularly in the 1st ODI as Hardik Pandya wasn't match-ready to get back to bowling.

"If we look at the Indian bowling, it's clear that we are unable to pick wickets with the new ball. How much time has gone? In the last three consecutive ODI matches, India has conceded a 100-run partnership at the top between the two openers. If you don't take wickets with the new ball, a wicket does not fall in the first 20-odd overs, then whomever you bowl doesn't make a difference," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

In the 2nd ODI, Virat Kohli did ask Pandya to bowl and he delivered 4 overs but that was clearly an on-field call made by the Indian captain. But Chopra is of the opinion that no bowling all-rounder could do the job of a new-ball bowler and has pointed out that it's the top bowlers in the team who are lacking in this series.

"Although we saw Hardik Pandya bowling but it was too late. He took a wicket as well, he dismissed Steve Smith. But if your top bowlers don't take wickets, what will the 6th, 7th or 8th option do," said Chopra.

"So, this is a problem which is getting magnified by the lack of an all-rounder but first of all, how many of them do we have? And even if they available, where will you play them? If you don't take wickets at the top, it is not going to help in the middle, doesn't matter how many all-rounders you play," he added.

The third and final ODI, which will be a dead rubber since Australia already have an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series, will be held on December 2 in Canberra.

(With inputs from agencies)