India player turned commentator Dinesh Karthik has suggested that the return of Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya to the team could change the dynamics in the lower-middle order. His comments came after India’s unexpected series defeat against South Africa, where India lost the ODI series 0-2 on Friday with one match in hand.

And, Karthik believes that having their all-rounders back will bring the change as well. While speaking for Cricbuzz, he said: “I think we are missing two key all-rounders here, and all-rounders are worth their weight in gold. Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. Once they come in, the dynamic of this team will look very different. Hardik at six and Jadeja at seven will look very different. Chahal is the best wrist spinner in India right now. He will be the bowler in the World Cup as well. So we have spin attack solved with him, and R Ashwin and you can also throw Washington Sundar.”

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However, India’s pace attack has come under the scanner, especially with poor outings for veteran speedster Bhuvaneshwar Kumar in both ODIs.

Speaking about Bhuvi, Dinesh Karthik said: “I think he needs to be replaced. India needs pace in their attack. The difference with Bumrah is that due to his pace, his slower ones become more effective. But when was pace is in early 130s, your slower ones are not that effective, and you are dependent on knuckle balls a lot more.”

He continued: “The fast bowling department is where they will be looking at in a keen manner. Who they want to bowl in the middle overs will be important. I know that Bhuvi enjoys [bowling] with the new ball, but today, giving Ashwin the new ball against Quinton De Kock would have been a good match-up.”

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However, Karthik believes that they will play with at least one of Mohammed Siraj or Prasidh Krishna in the final ODI match. And, he believes the series defeat will act as a wake-up call for the tea as well.

“I think this is the best thing that can happen to Indian ODI cricket. With this thing happening 15-16 months before the World Cup, it will give them a perspective and help them set a template. They will know what kind of players and skillset they need. They are at a stage where they have completely dominated one-day cricket over a period of time, but faltered at the big events. So this could be a wake-up call in many ways,” Dinesh Karthik concluded.