3 big positives from the India vs Australia ODI series ft. Rohit Sharma's classy performance

India's return to the ODI format didn't go to plan as they fell to a 2-1 defeat in the three-match series against Australia. Their win in the Sydney ODI was a small consolation after they suffered chastening defeats in Perth and Adelaide.

However, it wasn't all doom and gloom for the Men in Blue, who were without two of their biggest match-winners in Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. The performances of a few key players in Australia gave fans and experts an encouraging spin on the events that transpired.

On that note, here are three big positives for India from their ODI series loss to Australia.

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#3 Axar Patel seemed fairly comfortable in overseas conditions

Australia v India - ODI Series: Game 3 - Source: Getty

India made the interesting decision to drop Ravindra Jadeja from their squad for the Australia ODIs, picking Axar Patel as the lead spin-bowling all-rounder. With Jadeja having done well with the ball in the 50-over format, the selectors' call was questioned.

Axar did well, though. He batted at No. 5 and appeared to be fairly comfortable, even against the Australian fast bowlers. More importantly, the left-arm spinner was consistently threatening with the ball in hand, generating appreciable drift and keeping runs in check.

Jadeja should have a future with the team, but Axar's displays in Australia meant that India can consider him for a World Cup in South Africa.

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#2 Rohit Sharma went from strength to strength

Australia v India - ODI Series: Game 3 - Source: Getty

Rohit Sharma started the tour with a disappointing failure in Perth. In the series opener, he seemed uneasy at the crease, and his efforts to hit his way out of trouble didn't pan out.

However, as the series wore on, Rohit grew in confidence. He notched up a wonderful half-century in Adelaide, batting at a lower tempo but ensuring that India had a fighting total on the board. The former skipper saved his best for the last ODI of the series, where he made a sparkling unbeaten century to take the team over the line.

Rohit's fitness and willingness to take quick singles were notable, while his efficient strokeplay caught the eye as well. He finished as the Player of the Series, and India will be relieved.

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#1 Virat Kohli got out of the series on a positive note

Australia v India - ODI Series: Game 3 - Source: Getty

After bagging ducks in Perth and Adelaide, Virat Kohli found himself under serious pressure ahead of the Sydney ODI. However, friendly batting conditions and a spirited effort from the former Indian captain ensured that he finished the series on a good note.

Kohli's unbeaten 74 ensured that his average Down Under, which had dropped following his twin failures, crossed the 50-mark once again. More importantly, he seemed to be finding his rhythm at the crease after a long break from top-level cricket.

Kohli finishing the series with a solid showing was a major positive for the Men in Blue, who need him to be his best.