Bengaluru, Aug. 26: A shaky middle-order which let India down in the T20 World Cup forced the selectors to bring back the ever-reliable Rahul Dravid into the ODI team after almost two years, for the tri-series in Sri Lanka and Champions Trophy.

Though there have been a few who have termed this move a step backwards, Indian vice-captain Yuvraj Singh defended it saying it would further strengthen the batting line-up.

"Rahul Dravid has a huge experience with and it will strengthen the squad. His inclusion will help the youngsters, who have a lot to learn from him," said Yuvraj during a promotional event on Wednesday.

The Indian ODI team has been on a high rising to the No. 2 spot in ODI rankings and Yuvraj has also been amongst the runs.

He is currently in second place in the batsmen’s rankings, behind skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. But the southpaw is more keen on seeing India move up to the No.1 spot.

"It is nice to be ranked number two. But for me ranking doesn’t matter as long as India is winning. It will be good to see India as the No.1 ranked team in the world, which is my goal," he said.

Meanwhile, the left-hander backed the Australians and said they would emerge stronger from their Ashes defeat. "One loss does not make a team weak. The Australians are still one of the best sides in the world today," he said.

India are scheduled to take on Australia in a seven-match ODI series in India from Oct. 25. "For the time being, we are concentrating on performing well in the tri-series in Sri Lanka and later in the Champions Trophy. We will think about the Australians later," the 27-year-old said.

He also praised Virender Sehwag’s decision to stand up against the whimsical policies of the DDCA.