Former India batter and selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has raised concerns over India’s lack of genuine pace-bowling all-rounders as the team builds towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

With Hardik Pandya currently working towards regaining peak fitness, India have experimented with several alternatives, including Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy and even fast bowler Harshit Rana.

However, Srikkanth believes none of those options can currently provide the balance Hardik brings to the Indian side.

Hardik Pandya Working Towards Peak Fitness

Hardik is reportedly undergoing a “performance block” programme at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) as part of his preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The BCCI is reportedly unwilling to rush the star all-rounder back into action and wants him fully fit for the marquee tournament.

Hardik’s ability to contribute as a middle-order batter while also providing crucial overs of pace makes him an important part of India’s ODI combination.

Srikkanth Questions India’s All-Round Options

In Hardik’s absence, India have experimented with Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Harshit Rana has also been considered for a similar role because of his batting potential.

Srikkanth, however, believes India currently have only one genuine pace-bowling all-rounder.

Speaking on Star Sports, the former India selector said Hardik remains the team’s only complete all-round option. He described Nitish as the next-best alternative who could bat at No. 7 and contribute a few overs.

He was far less convinced about Dube and Harshit being considered genuine all-rounders.

Nitish Kumar Reddy Could Be Hardik’s Back-Up

Srikkanth’s assessment puts Nitish Kumar Reddy ahead of India’s other potential alternatives.

Reddy’s ability to bat in the lower-middle order and contribute with the ball gives India flexibility, although Srikkanth believes he is still some distance away from offering the complete package Hardik provides.

Finding a reliable back-up could become increasingly important as India plan their squad for the 2027 World Cup.

Srikkanth Questions Ravindra Jadeja’s Exclusion

Srikkanth also questioned why veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja appears to have fallen out of India’s ODI plans.

He described Jadeja as a “silent killer” and argued that his performances warrant continued consideration.

Jadeja has not announced his retirement from ODI cricket, and Srikkanth believes he should remain in the selectors’ plans if his performances justify selection.

He also highlighted Jadeja’s contribution during India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign and his ability to produce match-winning performances.

India’s All-Rounder Puzzle Ahead of 2027 World Cup

The situation leaves India with an important selection question ahead of the World Cup.

Hardik remains a unique player because of his combination of power-hitting and seam bowling. Keeping him fit could therefore be crucial to India’s plans.

At the same time, developing alternatives such as Nitish could provide valuable insurance should Hardik face further fitness issues.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, India’s management will have to determine not only Hardik’s workload but also which players can provide the right balance around him.

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India have suffered a setback ahead of their upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar unavailable for the opening Test in Galle due to a leg injury.

According to a BCCI source, Washington’s availability for the second Test will depend on his recovery and fitness. Meanwhile, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and fast bowler Harshit Rana are also unlikely to be included in India’s squad for the tour.

The two-match Test series will begin on August 15 in Galle, with the second Test scheduled to be played at the SSC in Colombo from August 23.

Washington Sundar Sidelined by Leg Injury

Washington suffered the injury during India’s white-ball tour of England earlier this month.

The injury has now ruled him out of the first Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled from August 15 to 19.

His participation in the second Test remains uncertain and will depend on whether he can regain full fitness in time.

Washington’s absence could force India to reconsider their spin-bowling combination, particularly given the traditionally spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka.

Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana Unlikely to Tour

India could also be without Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana for the two-Test assignment.

Both players are unlikely to be part of the touring squad as India prepare to finalise their combination for the series.

Nitish’s absence would reduce India’s pace-bowling all-rounder options, while Harshit’s likely unavailability could affect the depth of the fast-bowling department.

Jasprit Bumrah Given Rest Until July 30

There is also an important update regarding Jasprit Bumrah.

The premier Indian fast bowler will remain on rest until July 30, after which he is expected to report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Bumrah’s fitness will be closely monitored ahead of the Sri Lanka Tests, given his importance to India’s pace attack.

Sai Sudharsan’s Availability Subject to Fitness

Top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan is another player whose availability remains subject to fitness.

However, there is positive news regarding the left-hander, with reports suggesting that his recovery is progressing well.

A fit Sudharsan would provide India with another option at the top of the order for the two-Test series.

India vs Sri Lanka Test Series Schedule

1st Test: August 15-19 – Galle
2nd Test: August 23-27 – SSC, Colombo

With several players dealing with fitness concerns, India’s final squad selection could depend heavily on medical assessments in the coming days.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to conduct a review of the Indian cricket team’s recent white-ball performances following disappointing tours of Ireland and England.

The review meeting is expected to take place in August and will also examine the contracts of some members of head coach Gautam Gambhir’s support staff.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board will assess India’s recent white-ball results, with particular attention expected to be given to the heavy setbacks suffered in Ireland and England.

India’s Poor Run in Ireland and England

India endured a difficult period after their World Cup success earlier this year.

The team suffered its first-ever series defeat against Ireland, losing both T20Is in Belfast.

Things did not improve significantly in England.

Under new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, India lost four matches in the five-game T20I series, while the remaining contest was abandoned.

It represented a dramatic change in fortunes for a team that had recently been enjoying considerable success in the shortest format.

India Also Lose ODI Series Against England

India’s struggles extended into the ODI series.

With Shubman Gill leading the side, India managed one victory but eventually lost the three-match ODI series 2-1 to Harry Brook’s England.

The performances in Ireland and England are expected to form a major part of the BCCI’s upcoming review.

India have since responded positively in Zimbabwe, where they have already secured the ongoing T20I series.

Gautam Gambhir’s Support Staff to Be Reviewed

The BCCI review will not be restricted to the players and results.

Contracts of a couple of members of Gambhir’s support staff are also expected to be discussed.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has reportedly requested to be released from his duties after completing his initial two-year contract.

There is a possibility that the BCCI could accept his request.

T Dilip’s Position Under Scrutiny

Fielding coach T Dilip could also come under scrutiny.

India’s catching and overall fielding standards during the UK tour attracted criticism, making that department another potential area of discussion during the review.

There is currently no confirmation regarding whether the BCCI intends to make a change.

The review, however, could determine the composition of Gambhir’s coaching team going forward.

India Squad for Sri Lanka Tests to Be Picked Tuesday

Alongside the white-ball review, attention will soon turn towards India’s upcoming Test assignment against Sri Lanka.

The squad for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka is expected to be selected on Tuesday, with the selection meeting likely to take place virtually.

India will play the opening Test in Galle from August 15, followed by the second Test in Colombo from August 23.

The squad is expected to remain largely similar to the group that faced Afghanistan in June.

Jasprit Bumrah Fitness a Major Talking Point

One of the biggest selection decisions concerns Jasprit Bumrah.

India’s premier fast bowler is recovering from the knee problem that kept him out of the third ODI against England.

Bumrah is considered likely to be selected if his recovery progresses as expected.

Mohammed Siraj, who led India’s pace attack against Afghanistan in Bumrah’s absence, is also expected to retain his place.

Will Auqib Nabi Finally Get His Opportunity?

Another interesting selection discussion could surround Auqib Nabi.

The pacer finished as the leading wicket-taker in the previous Ranji Trophy season, putting himself firmly in contention for national selection.

Whether the selectors reward his domestic performances with a place in the Sri Lanka Test squad will be one of the key developments to watch.

Nitish Kumar Reddy Doubtful for Sri Lanka Tests

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy is unlikely to be selected for the Sri Lanka Test series.

Reddy has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after suffering a quadriceps injury last month.

Although he has resumed bowling, the five-day matches against Sri Lanka are reportedly expected to come too soon in his recovery process.

The all-rounder is instead being targeted for a return during India’s white-ball assignments in September.

Reddy last represented India in the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai in June.

Important Few Weeks Ahead for Team India

The coming weeks could therefore bring several important decisions for Indian cricket.

The BCCI must assess what went wrong during the Ireland and England tours, determine the future of members of Gambhir’s coaching staff and simultaneously finalise the Test squad for Sri Lanka.

With Bumrah’s fitness, Nitish’s rehabilitation and Auqib Nabi’s potential selection also on the agenda, both the review and selection meetings could have significant implications for India’s immediate future.

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