India are handicapped by lack of all-rounders, feels Ian Chappell

New Delhi: Former Australian captain Ian Chappell feels India lack genuine all-rounders and are too dependant on their top four to get runs.

In an exclusive column in the The Daily Telegraph, Chappell said India are handicapped by the lack of all-rounders and they could see themselves struggle if their batting top-four do not deliver.

Chappell opined that if the Indian team loses early wickets, they then have to play a conservative brand of cricket.

"India does not have the luxury of numerous all-rounders. While they have a very talented and aggressive top four, headed by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, if they lose early wickets they then have to play conservatively," Chappell said.

He further went on to state that Australia will likely want to bat first and score a huge first innings target. For India their best chances are in a run-chase with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni mastering the art of well-timed late flourish.

"This makes Australia the team most likely to post a huge first-innings target, with India's best chance of victory coming in a tight run chase where Dhoni produces a trademark well-timed finishing flourish.”

India play against Australia in their first ODI at the WACA in Perth on January 12.