The recently concluded India-Australia T20I series, though a success for India, has brought attention to an ongoing concern: the absence of a genuine all-rounder in the top six, particularly with Hardik Pandya’s role under scrutiny.
Despite the series being a platform for fringe players to stake their claim for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024, the absence of key ODI World Cup squad members raised questions. With only 11 international matches scheduled for T20 preparations, each game becomes crucial in forming the core 15-member squad.
The series saw some positive performances from players like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Yashavi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Jitesh Sharma, and Ishan Kishan. Rinku Singh, in particular, made a strong case as a finisher and a crucial middle-order option.
However, the shadow of concern looms large over the absence of Hardik Pandya, who, as the only top fast-bowling all-rounder, plays a pivotal role in providing balance to the squad. The lack of a genuine all-rounder was exposed during the T20 World Cup, leading to India’s defeat in the final.
Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich emphasized the need for a reliable all-rounder in the top six, citing the vulnerability if something happens to Hardik. The T20I series against Australia failed to address this concern, as India fielded only five bowling options throughout the five matches.
Despite bowlers performing decently, the absence of a genuine all-rounder was evident. The series could have been an opportunity to test players like Shivam Dube, a medium-pace bowling all-rounder, but he remained unused. With fast-bowling all-rounders being rare, the management missed an opportunity to prepare a backup for the injury-prone Hardik Pandya.
As the focus now shifts to the Afghanistan series in January, India must address the all-rounder conundrum before heading into the 2024 IPL and ultimately the T20 World Cup.
