Selectors retain squad for rest of Australia ODIs

Despite the 24-run loss to Australia in the fourth One-Day International at Mohali on Monday, the selectors retained the 15-member Indian squad for the last three games in the seven-match series.

The youngsters in the team came in for a lot of flak following the defeat, after India were shot out for 226 chasing 250 on a good batting wicket. Suresh Raina (17), Ravindra Jadeja (7) and Virat Kohli all had opportunities to prove themselves but were found wanting against a resilient Australian bowling attack.

But the selectors chose to continue with the trio, who also had the support of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

"Raina got out to a beautiful delivery while Ravindra Jadeja was run out after a mix up. I would say they have not got much opportunity to bat at that slot and it is not easy to bat at number six or seven, especially when you are chasing. You always bat according to the platform you get.

"Sometimes you need to accelerate or get a partnership going and look to score whatever runs are needed. They will learn from their mistakes and each and every batsman does that. I am sure with time they will improve and they have improved," Dhoni had said after the defeat at Mohali which enabled Australia level the seven-match series 2-2..

With Gautam Gambhir expected to be fit for Thursday's fifth ODI in Hyderabad, the selectors also decided to release Dinesh Karthik for Tamil Nadu's Ranji Trophy match against Railways, beginning at New Delhi on Tuesday.

He was called up to the squad in Mohali as cover for Virender Sehwag and Gambhir, who both suffered minor injuries during the third ODI in New Delhi.