5 reasons why India should continue to experiment in the ODI series against Australia

#4 Hardik Pandya’s form is cause for concern

Pandya's form has been erratic

Hardik Pandya has made his progress by leaps and bounds in the last year and a half. From being a limited overs specialist to making a successful Test debut, his transition is now complete.

But the problem of late has been his indifferent form with the bat and the ball. A fast bowling all-rounder like Pandya can be a trump card for Kohli. But if he is not performing and has to be dropped, that will necessitate changing the team combination.

Without Pandya, India has to make the choice between playing an extra bowler or an extra batsman depending on the condition. Since the World Cup 2019 will be in England, it might mean going in with a third seamer. India will then have to think if they have enough batting depth if they play five specialist bowlers.

Thus, Pandya must be given more opportunities to be more consistent. But India should also experiment to have a back-up plan in place if they have to go in without him.