Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has expressed concern over India’s search for a reliable pace-bowling all-rounder ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, stating that no player currently matches the value and balance that Hardik Pandya brings to the side. While India continue to test multiple options due to Hardik’s recurring fitness concerns, Srikkanth believes the team still lacks a genuine replacement.
Over the past few months, India have looked at players such as Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, and Harshit Rana as potential back-up all-rounders. However, Srikkanth feels only Nitish has shown the qualities to develop into a dependable option, while Dube and Rana should not be classified as genuine all-rounders.
Speaking on Star Sports, Kris Srikkanth did not hold back in his assessment. “Players like Dube and Harshit Rana can’t be called all-rounders. Then I can call myself a great all-rounder if these two are called that. Hardik Pandya is the only genuine all-rounder. Nitish Kumar Reddy is a half all-rounder, who can bat at No. 7 and bowl a few overs,” he said.
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During India’s recent ODI series against England, Dube was entrusted with the role of the primary seam-bowling all-rounder after Hardik, Harshit and Nitish were unavailable because of injuries. While he impressed with the ball by claiming two wickets in two matches at an economy rate below five, his contribution with the bat was disappointing, including a golden duck in his only innings.
According to Kris Srikkanth, India’s lack of a complete pace-bowling all-rounder also affected the overall team balance. The management’s preference for an all-rounder-heavy combination meant wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav missed out, leaving Axar Patel as the lone specialist spinner. While the strategy added batting depth, it also reduced India’s wicket-taking options in the middle overs.
Srikkanth also questioned India’s decision to move away from veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, insisting the experienced left-hander still has plenty to offer in the 50-over format.
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“I am not sure why Ravindra Jadeja has been totally let go. He was outstanding in the 2023 World Cup. He is a silent killer. It’s not like he has retired from ODIs. Yet he isn’t playing ODIs and rarely features in Tests despite delivering match-winning performances. If he continues to perform, I believe Jadeja should remain in India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup,” Kris Srikkanth added.
With less than two years remaining before the 2027 ODI World Cup, India’s team management faces a crucial challenge—finding the right balance between specialist match-winners and multi-skilled cricketers while ensuring Hardik Pandya has adequate support if injuries continue to interrupt his career.
