Missing the team balance in Pandya's absence: Shikhar Dhawan

Melbourne, Jan 17 (CRICKETNMORE): Admitting that suspended all-rounder Hardik Pandya was "crucial" for the team's balance, India opener Shikhar Dhawan on Thursday said the team is not grappling wi

Dhawan stressed the team is hopeful of bagging the series and ma`king history as they will become the first ever team to win a bilateral ODI series on Australian soil, following up on the 2-1 Test series win here.

Dhawan also added that the batsmen finding form ahead of the World Cup bodes well for the team.

"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," Dhawan 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 batsman at the other end," he expressed.

He also lauded the role played by Dinesh Karthik during the successful chase in the second ODI in Adelaide.