M S Dhoni blamed his batsmen for the defeat against Australia, saying they failed to complement the effort of the bowlers.

Dhoni said restricting Australia to a 250-run on a wicket that promised a run-feast was no mean achievement but lack of partnerships in the Indian batting line-up allowed Australia to level the series 2-2.

"I think it was a good effort by the bowlers to stop them to a total like 250. We got a decent start to our chase also but subsequently, we failed as a batting unit," Dhoni told after the match.

"We should have batted full 50 overs but that was not possible because we kept losing wickets at regular intervals," he rued.

Dhoni defended his decision to field, saying dew otherwise would have made things difficult for the bowlers.

"Dew is a big factor that always plays on your mind. From 15-40th overs, generally the spinners do the job for us. That would have been taking a risk. Of course it can backfire also, so it's difficult to choose.

"But we knew in Mohali, the wicket would not break much and ball would come nicely onto the bat with a bit of dew. I think our bowlers did a great job and 251 is something we should have scored," he said.

Dhoni conceded youngsters like Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli are yet to learn how to accomplish difficult chase but he did not blame them for that.

"I think Raina today got out to a beautiful delivery, while Jadeja was run out after a mix-up. The thing is batting at number 6-7 is not easy since you don't get much opportunity to bat. You cannot pace your innings either, for you have to play according to the platform given to you. Sometimes, you have to accelerate or keep a partnership going.

"They are still inexperienced and I hope they learn from their mistakes," he said.

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On the decision to send Kohli at number three, Dhoni said," To best way to give someone opportunity is to let him bat higher. At number 6-7, you score 20-30 in quick time or can get our for 10-12 also. I think it's important to give them chance.

"Virat is a talented batsman, good on the field and brings in lot of energies," Dhoni said.

He also threw his weight behind Ishant Sharma even though he admitted the pacer was not at his best.

"Look, it was a good, nice wicket to bat on. They got a good start, targetted him and succeeded. If batsman goes after a bowler, it gives you more chance to pick up a wicket.

"He is currently not at his best but I hope he would bounce back soon," Dhoni said.

The Indian captain said Gautam Gambhir, who skipped today's match after being hit on the neck in the last game, is likely to play the next game of the series.

"He's most likely to be fit for the next game," Dhoni said.

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