Ex-Australia captain Steve Waugh says the decision by national selectors to reinstate Ricky Ponting and overlook David Warner as one-day skipper 'doesn't make sense' and is a step backwards.
While declaring former captain Ponting would seamlessly fill the role left vacant by the injured Michael Clarke, Waugh would rather have seen the selection panel take a gamble on the untried but exciting Warner.
Warner is the vice-captain of the one-day side but chairman of selectors John Inverarity said his panel didn't want the explosive opener burdened with the 'extra responsibility' of captaincy.
Waugh, who led Australia to 41 wins in 57 Tests and 67 victories in 106 one-day matches, believes they got it wrong.
"Ricky will do it blindfolded but the future is probably Dave Warner so I'm surprised they didn't go to Warner and go to the future," Waugh said in Sydney on Tuesday.
"It's only a temporary thing (but) you put Dave Warner in there as vice-captain (so) I assume they think he is leadership material."
"If he's vice-captain why can't he captain the side as well?"
"Maybe they think Dave's not quite ready but why is he vice-captain?"
"It doesn't make sense to me."
Waugh was also perplexed at the treatment of wicket-keeper Brad Haddin, who failed to make it back into the 14-man squad after being rested and replaced by Matthew Wade for the opening three games of the international one-day series.
The former great would not only have reinstated Haddin but appointed him captain in Clarke's absence.
"I was surprised when they said he (Haddin) was rested and he said he was dropped. There were mixed messages there," Waugh said.
"If he's rested, why doesn't he come back in and be the captain?"
"He's vice-captain of the Test side so there was an opportunity for Brad to be captain of the one-day team."
"Obviously he is having an enforced rest. I'm not sure what it is."
"It's a bit confusing and it'd be good for someone to clear it up."
Despite the question marks over selection policy, Waugh was full of praise for the way Australia has dominated India this summer.
But he is bitterly disappointed with the lack of fight from the tourists.
"I'm not surprised they (Australia) are doing well because they always had potential, particularly the young bowlers," he said.
"Australian have played superbly well, India have been amazingly disappointing."
"It's been an extreme from both teams but Australia should be congratulated (for) the way they've played."