Ricky Ponting has his say on why India lost ODI series against Australia at home

India won the two matches to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series but Australia fought back brilliantly and with a fighting victory in the last match, they were able to inflict the first home ODI series defeat since October 2015.

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting believes that India missed MS Dhoni during their recently concluded ODI series against Australia and his absence was a main reason behind them losing the series.

Australia's Adam Zampa, left, celebrates the wicket of India's Rohit Sharma.(AP)

India won the two matches to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series but Australia fought back brilliantly and with a fighting victory in the last match, they were able to inflict the first home ODI series defeat since October 2015.

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“I wouldn’t ever be negative towards Virat with regards to his captaincy, I have seen what he has done with the Test team over the last couple of years, and MS has not been around for that. However, I think that the little bit of presence he brings on the field and a certain calmness to the batting when India is in a pressure situation is invaluable. I missed his batting in the last three games (vs Australia), which is also probably why India did not win,” Ponting told NDTV.

Usman Khawaja struck his second century in three matches as Australia thumped India by 35 runs in their final one-dayer to seal a come-from-behind 3-2 series victory at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Wednesday.

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Opener Khawaja strengthened his claim for a place in the World Cup squad with an elegant 100 to steer Australia to 272-9, though the tourists had looked on course to top 300 at one stage.

Adam Zampa (3-46) and his fellow bowlers then skittled India for 237 in exactly 50 overs to register their third successive victory as Australia overcame a 0-2 series deficit.

(With agency inputs)