India's opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan opened up on Hardik Pandya's suspension, MS Dhoni's batting and the supporting role played by Dinesh Karthik in the second ODI.
He also spoke about the young bowlers included in the squad who couldn't able to perform well in the given opportunities.
Talking about Hardik's exclusion from the side after his ill comments during the show Koffee with Karan, Dhawan said Pandya is important in the team for the balance.
"The balance that Hardik (Pandya) creates when he's in the team is very crucial for our team," Dhawan said in the pre-match press conference on Thursday.
"Even when Kedar (Jadhav) plays, the overs of off-spin he bowls are very beneficial for us...I would say he is our golden arm, and he always takes wickets when he comes on. So often, he's broken a big partnership. An all-rounder in Tests and limited-overs' cricket is equally important," he added.
Speaking on Khaleel Ahmed and Mohammed Siraj's bowling performance in first and second ODI, he added, "It's not worry (about the bowling). They just came in. They are young blokes. We will back them. That's how they're going to learn when they play against a good side.
"If they go for runs, that's where they have to lift themselves up and think more about their game and strategies. That's how they'll become more mature players. It's good that they are getting chances over here."
If India manages to win the last ODI, it will be their first ever bilateral ODI series win against Australia. Dhawan is also happy after the batsmen are finally getting into the groove. Dhoni also looked better in Adelaide and the southpaw mentioned about him as well.
"Winning the series will mean a lot to us. Winning both Tests and if we win tomorrow, it is going to be a big achievement for us. We are going to value it and cherish it," he said.
"It was good to see a good team performance in the last game, especially how Dhoni performed well in both the games. We are very happy that Dhoni is getting his touch back. Because a player of his stature, gives so much of confidence to the batsmen at the other end," he added.
Speaking on the role of Karthik, he added, "The good thing is we have got all fit players and very mature players, very experienced. That makes us a very strong batting unit. And of course, we have been performing very well and consistently over the past few years."
Dhawan was away from cricket after being left out from the Test squad. He, Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu haven't played much cricket before joining the ODI side.
"I had 5-6 weeks off and I was training hard. It was good because, looking forward to the World Cup, it was a good break for me. Now I'm happy to be back in the side, playing matches and raring to go.
"I think my rhythm is there, the way I was hitting the ball. It is very important to take a break and feel fresh, which we Indian cricketers don't get much of, so we're not used to it," he said.
Indian top order is very key for the team. They have won most of the game for India in recent time and when they deliver, half of the job gets easy for lower order.
About his understanding with Rohit Sharma, the left-handed attacking batsman said, "Batting with Rohit, it's normal, comfortable and we both know what to do and what not to. Not much discussion is needed. We play on automatic mode and keep having fun with each other. There is a sense of calmness and peace."
Indian bowlers have made sure skipper Aaron Finch doesn't fire and they have done well till now.
"...we are hitting the right areas against him. We are not giving him singles or boundary options too easily. Once you create that pressure on a batsman, especially in limited-overs, he's going to do something extra and take more risk to rotate the strike or score runs...," he said.
The last ODI will be a series decider and India has good chances considering their batting line-up is back in the form. Dhawan pointed out Steve Smith and David Warner's hiatus has kept Australia behind India in this series.
"Australia have a good all-round side, they have a good balanced side. Of course, the presence of Smith and Warner is missing in this side. They are legends of their country and big players in the cricket world," he said.
"At the same time, Bhuvi (Kumar) is very experienced as well as Shami. That's why in the first 10 overs, we have been dominating the game. We would like to do it the same way. So we will be on our guard," Dhawan signed off.
(With Press Trust of India Inputs)
