Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has reignited the discussion on a persistent issue for the Indian cricket team: the shortage of part-timers and all-rounders. This deficiency has often disrupted the team’s balance, especially when none of the top-five batters can contribute a few overs with the ball.

India’s combination dilemma was evident in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where the team had to rely on just five bowling options following Hardik Pandya’s injury. This situation has carried over into the preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup, with debates on whether India should deploy three spinners or rely on Hardik Pandya as the fifth bowler to maintain batting depth.

During a recent warm-up match against Bangladesh, Shivam Dube was seen bowling, but it remains uncertain if he will be a regular bowling option in the tournament. Moreover, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s absence from the warm-up match has sparked speculation about his inclusion in the playing XI. The team is reportedly considering various combinations, including the possibility of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma opening the batting and Rishabh Pant being promoted to No. 3.

Irfan Pathan, speaking on Star Sports, emphasized the need for more all-rounders in the team. He noted Jaiswal’s part-time leg spin as a potential, albeit underutilized, resource. Pathan highlighted two possible combinations for the team: one that includes six bowlers, with Axar Patel deepening the batting lineup, and another relying on Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya to bowl a few overs.

“With the selected team, there can be two combinations. In one combination, you can play with six bowlers, including Axar Patel, to deepen the batting lineup. In the other combination, you can play with four front-line bowlers and expect Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya to bowl. Another option for Team India is a young player who bowls in the nets but hasn’t bowled in matches, Yashasvi Jaiswal,” Pathan said.

Pathan also pointed out the handicap India faces with top-order batters who do not bowl, contrasting this with other teams that have players like Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Will Jacks, who provide additional bowling options.

“If Hardik can give you the option of bowling three to four overs, this problem will be largely solved. Our other batsmen, like Rohit, Virat, or Suryakumar Yadav, can’t bowl, which makes us somewhat handicapped. Ideally, if any of these players could bowl, it would greatly benefit the team,” Pathan added.

Pathan recalled the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning side, which benefited from the part-time bowling of top-order players like Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina. This versatility provided the captain with flexible bowling options. In contrast, the current squad lacks similar all-rounders, a luxury that could significantly enhance team dynamics.

Sunil Gavaskar recently suggested that India include three spinners in their playing XI, with Hardik Pandya acting as the third seamer, providing a couple of overs as needed.

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar also emphasized the importance of all-rounders, using Australia as an example. He pointed out that players like Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green offer significant value by contributing both with bat and ball. Manjrekar highlighted the impact of the IPL’s Impact Player rule on India’s strategy, noting that it has led to a reliance on specialist bowlers and batters.

“Lack of all-rounders is a bit of a weakness for Team India. If you look at Australia, their batters like Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green can bowl four overs in a match. I think that’s why the Indian team has brought Shivam Dube into the side to mitigate the limitations that come with a lack of all-rounders,” Manjrekar stated.

As Team India prepares to kick off their World Cup campaign against Ireland in New York on Wednesday, June 5, the challenge of balancing the team remains paramount. The strategic inclusion of players who can contribute with both bat and ball will be crucial for India’s success in the tournament. The discussions and decisions made now could shape the team’s performance and adaptability in the high-stakes matches ahead.