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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Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness is expected to be one of the biggest talking points when India announce their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka next week.

India will begin the Test series in Galle on August 15, with the second match scheduled to start in Colombo on August 23.

Bumrah is currently recovering after suffering an impact injury to his left knee during India’s recent ODI series against England.

Bumrah Recovering From Left Knee Injury

Bumrah missed the series-deciding third ODI against England at Lord’s after experiencing reactive swelling in his left knee following an impact injury.

His recovery is now being closely monitored ahead of the Sri Lanka tour.

According to a PTI report, there is optimism that the time available before the opening Test could be sufficient for Bumrah to recover.

India, however, are expected to travel to Sri Lanka considerably earlier.

The squad is scheduled to arrive by August 4 and play a four-day warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club in Colombo as part of their preparations.

Whether Bumrah will be fit enough to travel with the rest of the squad in the first week of August remains uncertain.

Ravindra Jadeja Set for Test Return

While Bumrah’s availability remains under observation, Ravindra Jadeja is expected to return to the Shubman Gill-led Test side.

Jadeja’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball could become particularly valuable on Sri Lankan surfaces, where spin is traditionally a major factor.

The veteran all-rounder was not selected for India’s recent three-match ODI series against England, which India lost 2-1.

His return would provide India with additional experience and greater flexibility in their Test combination.

Bumrah, Siraj and Prasidh Could Lead Pace Attack

If Bumrah receives medical clearance, India’s pace department could feature a strong combination of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

The selectors will nevertheless have to consider Bumrah’s workload and recovery before making a final decision.

Given his importance across formats, India are unlikely to take unnecessary risks with the fast bowler if there are lingering fitness concerns.

Kuldeep Yadav Likely to Lead Spin Attack

India are expected to travel with several spin options considering the conditions in Sri Lanka.

Kuldeep Yadav could lead the specialist spin department, with Manav Suthar another strong candidate following his impressive Test debut against Afghanistan.

Suthar’s left-arm spin could provide India with another useful option if the pitches offer significant assistance to the slower bowlers.

Washington Sundar Also in Contention

Washington Sundar is another player likely to feature in the selection discussions.

Washington strengthened his case with a four-wicket haul in the second innings against Afghanistan at Mullanpur.

His batting ability also gives India the option of playing an additional spinner without significantly weakening the lower order.

Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey is expected to remain among India’s back-up spin options.

With Jadeja returning and Kuldeep, Suthar and Washington competing for places, India could have several combinations available depending on conditions in Galle and Colombo.

India Await Final Update on Bumrah

For now, much of the attention will remain on Bumrah.

With approximately three weeks between his injury and the start of the Test series, India will hope their premier fast bowler can complete his recovery without complications.

His availability could significantly influence the balance of India’s playing XI, particularly in a Test series where both pace with the new ball and high-quality spin are expected to play important roles.

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