IPL ahead, but India's iffy WC buildup can't be sugar-coated

Inability to play quality spin, lack of an anchor and dodgy middle order will keep India on edge 

- Somshuvra Laha

By now we have been adequately warned about not getting carried away by the highs gained in bilateral series. But things just got real after India crashed to their first bilateral series defeat across formats at home in over four years-losing the ODI No. 1 mantle to Australia in the process.

There have been some gains, yes. At the same time, however, hitherto inconceivable concerns have surfaced. That India are yet to win an ODI series in Bangladesh since 2015 will no doubt pinch. Australia went one step further, ruthlessly exposing India's often downplayed frailty against spin in a matter of one match. That, compounded by mounting injury woes and player management concerns, will weigh heavy on India's minds as they go into a 10-week hiatus from one-day cricket.

Since the T20 World Cup semi-final carnage at Adelaide, India has won eight ODIs and lost five. For an entire month, they were able to sweep their T20 World Cup woes under the carpet, blanking Sri Lanka and New Zealand at home. But Sri Lanka are currently ranked eighth. And Trent Boult and Tim Southee didn't open the bowling for New Zealand. Moreover, those series wins were bookended by four losses that came in the subcontinent, two in Bangladesh and two at home against Australia. Shakib Al Hasan took seven wickets in those two losses in Bangladesh. Ashton Agar dismissed a set Virat Kohli and KL Rahul in Chennai. Connected the left-arm slow bowler dots?