After clinching the Test series, the focus now shifts to the ODI series. The focus also shifts to MS Dhoni who returns to the national fold. The wicketkeeper will again be the centre of attraction, particularly when he strides out to bat.
He has not been in the best of forms with the bat in the recent past and hence, his scores will be closely monitored. He is back in the T20I squad as well as the selectors want to give him as much match practice as possible before the World Cup.
His presence in the team has always been much-appreciated and now vice-captain Rohit Sharma also believes that with Dhoni in the group, there is a sense of calm in the side, which is great in pressure situations.
'Help to the captain'
"Over the years we have seen what sort of presence he (Dhoni) has in the dressing room and on the field. With him being around, there is a sense of calmness in the group, which is very important, and also a bit of help to the captain because he stands behind the stumps," Rohit said ahead of the first ODI against Australia.
"He has captained India for so many years and been successful. So him being around with the team always is helpful. He is like a guiding light around the group," Rohit added.
Despite him struggling to get going with the bat, the vice-captain firmly believes that he will get the job done and apply the finishing touches to the innings.
"...batting down the order, getting us through the line, his finishing touch is very important and he has finished so many games for us. His calmness and advice, what he thinks about the game and what we should do right now is very important," Rohit said.
Speaking about the composition of the squad for the upcoming 50-over World Cup, Rohit said that although spots have been taken, the performances of the players in the series against Australia will play a big role in identifying solutions for the spots.
"There will be one or two changes keeping in mind form and injury concerns over the next few months. But I don't see any drastic change in the squad. But I still feel everything will depend on the form of each player," he explained.
India will take on Australia in the first of the three-match ODI series on January 12 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
