Mahendra Singh Dhoni: We need brave youngsters in team

Dhoni said exposure so far may not be clear indication of their talent but their character was certainly revealed.

New Delhi: After losing three ODI matches on the trot to Australia, Team India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday took a jibe at the newcomers in the side.

Speaking to reporters after the 3rd ODI, Dhoni said the team needed brave youngsters.

The uncapped trio of Barinder Sran, Rishi Dhawan and Gurukeerat Singh Mann made their debuts, while, the inexperienced Manish Pandey too featured in Dhoni's side.

However, performance-wise it seems that none of them managed to impress the skipper as Dhoni felt there was nothing unfair about putting them up against a rampaging Australia.

"If you are getting a chance to play for your country, irrespective of the situation, it isn't unfair. As captain that's what you have to communicate to these youngsters,” Dhoni told PTI.

Dhoni said the exposure so far may not be a clear indication of their talent but their character was certainly revealed.

"When it comes to these youngsters, Pandey in the last game and with Mann and Dhawan, there was no hesitation of playing a big shot. When you play tough games, it gives you more experience than playing just a normal ODI. This is what has happened with them.

"You can't really judge their performances because they have only batted 12 to 15 balls. But you can judge their character based on those few deliveries. That is something you have to encourage, and at the end of the day the captain and the selectors have to look at that specifically.

“Because it tells you a lot about the character of these individuals, and you want brave people in the side. Winning and losing keeps happening, but you want good characters in the side," the skipper added.

Australia have already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. It means in the last two games, India will try to look to play for pride.