Dhoni to sit out remainder of series

India will be without veteran wicketkeeper MS Dhoni for the final two ODIs against Australia.

Following India's 32-run loss in his hometown of Ranchi on Friday night, it was revealed Dhoni, who scored 26, will be rested from the final two matches of the five-match series, which currently sits at 2-1 in favour of the hosts. 

India assistant coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed Dhoni will be rested, while Mohammed Shami might make way after copping the brunt of a powerful drive from Australia captain Aaron Finch in the first innings.

"'Mahi' (Dhoni) is not playing the last two," Bangar said. 

"He's taking rest after this so he won’t play, so there'll be place left vacant by him. 

"Shami also had a hit on the leg. We have to see whether he’ll be fit for the game. 

"If he's not fit then Bhuvneshwar Kumar will play. Those decisions the captain and coach will make before the game."

It means Dhoni, at 37 years old and a veteran of 341 ODIs, may have played his last international match on Indian soil with his playing future after the World Cup uncertain. His final match in his home town of Ranchi would have made a fitting farewell, until Adam Zampa soured the occasion for the home fans by bowling their hero.

Australia opener Usman Khawaja, who was player of the match in Ranchi for his maiden ODI century of 104, learnt of Dhoni's withdrawal after play and said his side will not be taking India lightly despite losing a player with more than 500 international caps.

"India is always very strong," Khawaja said. 

"They've always got really good players coming in. If MS doesn't play then I assume (gloveman Rishabh) Pant comes in and he's also a very good player. 

"Can't take anything for granted, we still have to play really good cricket."

Bangar also said India captain Virat Kohli will not be rested and play in the final two matches.

Kohli said while there will be fresh faces in the squad he expects the same the same high standards as World Cup hopefuls push for selection.

"We'll have to figure out what those changes are but the idea is to still ask the guys to go out there and put in match-winning performances and take a lot of pride in winning games for the country," Kohli said after play.

"That mindset will not change. 

"Yes, we will have a few new faces given chances and they have to make the most of their chances because there's a World Cup coming up and everyone wants to be on that flight to the World Cup. 

"A little hiccup in the middle (of the series) but we'll regroup and recover and come back stronger in the next one."

The next one is on Sunday in Mohali. 

Qantas Tour of India

First T20: Australia won by three wickets

Second T20: Australia won by seven wickets

First ODI: India won by six wickets

Second ODI: India won by eight runs

Third ODI: Australia won by 32 runs

Fourth ODI: March 10, Mohali

Fifth ODI: March 13, Delhi