Virat Kohli 'visibly rough' without MS Dhoni on field, says Bishan Singh Bedi

Former Indian cricket team captain Bishan Singh Bedi Monday called MS Dhoni "half a captain" and said his absence made skipper Virat Kohli "visibly rough" on the field during the fourth ODI against Australia.

Bedi further stressed that it is not a good sign for Team India. 

Despite putting a mammoth target of 359 runs, India lost the game due to poor fielding. While some even say that Dhoni's absence behind the stumps was also one of the reasons why Australia were able to chase the target. 

Dhoni has been rested for the last two games of the series which is tied at 2-2, going into the decider in New Delhi on Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, young bloke Rishabh Pant replaced him and miserably failed with the gloves, yesterday,  

Questioning the management's decision to give him rest," Bedi said.  

Bedi further highlighted Dhoni's importance in the team, saying he has a very calming influence on the ground

"Dhoni is not getting any younger, he is no spring chicken either but the team needs him. He is a very calming influence on the ground. The captain needs him by his side, he is visibly rough without him. It is not a good sign

Bedi also felt the Indian ODI team is experimenting needlessly ahead of the World Cup, to be held in England from May 30 to July 14.

The 4th ODI turned out to be a dismal day for India in the field despite the heroics of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. The opening duo's record partnership, which includes a sensational 143, had helped India post a mammoth target. 

Australia chase down a record-breaking target of 359 runs, making it the highest ever total that Indian team failed to defend in its ODI history, losing the game by four wickets.