The Indian team has started their Australia tour with a 66-run loss. Team India failed to restrict Australia as they posted a massive total. Team India lacked in bowling and fielding department missed a few catches too. While Hardik Pandya played as a specialist batsman in the first ODI, India were losing a sixth ball option.

However, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has opened up and said that the team has been facing this issue for quite some time now.

“It’s been happening since what… the last World Cup. If Hardik Pandya is not fit, where is your sixth bowling option?” Gambhir said on ESPNCricinfo. “Yes, you can talk about putting in Manish Pandey, but again, even if Rohit Sharma comes back into the Playing XI, the problem which you’re facing right now, you will face it then as well because there is no one in the top six who can give you a couple of overs.”

He again added that Australia doesn't seem have this problem as despite an injury to Marcus Stoinis, he is available for bowling. Even, they have Glenn Maxwell, who is spinner too.

“On the other hand, if you see, the Australian side, they’ve got Moises Henriques, who can give you a couple of overs, Sean Abbott, who’s a bowling all-rounder. They’ve got Daniel Sams, who can bowl and bat,” he further added.

“From India’s point of view, if Hardik Pandya is not fit, where is your replacement? It’s only Vijay Shankar whom I can think of but does he have the same impact batting at No. 5 or 6. Can he give you 7-8 overs? I’ve got my doubts,” he concluded.