India would be disappointed at not finishing the series 4-1 against a new look England team. But they would be happy that they won a series, which is always satisfying.

The history of England-India one-day series at home has been one-sided with the latter completing a whitewash every time. This is the first time that a series was competitive and one has to understand that this is an India team in transition.

Identifying talent

What is important for the team and selectors is to have the right perspective because there is a tough schedule ahead and the team will have to be in top form to play well. That's why it is important that despite the satisfaction of a home series win, those concerned need to identify the players who will play well, because we want to see an India team competing in all conditions and not a team which we have seen in the last 22 months.

For that, it is not only important that quality is identified but to see that talent keeps improving with every series.

Like in Chennai against Pakistan, it was an important toss to win in Dharamsala and Alastair Cook was on the right side this time. India had to see off 10 overs in both games, as batting is difficult against the moving ball, and they faltered.

Rohit Sharma had an opportunity to put to rest doubts over his consistency, but once again played a loose shot. The situation required to keep wickets in hand, and both he and Virat Kohli played ordinary shots. This is where the management should have sent out a message that we needed to keep wickets.

Tighten things

The shots by Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni again showed that we need to tighten up in testing conditions and back ourselves.

Suresh Raina was brilliant. He has been consistent but this was his best knock of the series. His technique in Test matches and overseas one-day games has been found wanting but one could see a big improvement on Sunday. His biggest strength is his attitude and if he can keep improving, he will be a force in the future.

360 Corporate Relations. The writer is a former India captain

Published by HT Syndication with permission from Hindustan Times.