Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer reckons it will be great if India can have two all-rounders in the 2023 ODI World Cup. As the ODI showpiece will be hosted by India, there is no doubt that a spin-bowling all-rounder is going to play a crucial role.
Ravindra Jadeja has been in tremendous form, especially with the bat but he needs to come up with better bowling performances. On the other hand, Hardik Pandya has been doing a fantastic job as an all-rounder with both bat as well the ball. Pandya had scored 100 runs in two matches against England and also scalped wickets in three matches.
The right-arm pacer has been bowling consistently around 140 kmph in the recent past and he is adding a lot of value to the team. However, it will be imperative for Pandya to maintain his fitness levels as he has struggled with the same in the last few years.
Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja was also ruled out of the three-match ODI series against the West Indies due to a niggle in his left knee. Thus, it will be pivotal for these two players to remain injury-free ahead of the ODI World Cup.
Wasim Jaffer said while talking to Crictracker, “I think the key areas for India to look at before the 2023 World Cup would be to get an all-rounder. I feel it’s very important for Hardik Pandya to be fit to bowl. Having Ravindra Jadeja along with him will provide a lot of balance.
Jaffer added that players like Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag, and Yuvraj Singh were able to contribute with the ball and it played a key role in India’ success in the 2011 World Cup.
“It’s great if we have two all-rounders. In the 2011 World Cup, we had plenty of options. Suresh Raina, and Virender Sehwag, were able to contribute with the ball. Yuvraj Singh, in particular, contributed a lot to the bowling department besides his batting heroics.”
Furthermore, the former domestic giant added India needs depth in their batting department. Jaffer reckons Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar can get the job done in the lower-middle order.
“We also need depth in our batting department. If we bat up to 8 or 9, it would be vital. For example, Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur can come in. Allrounders will bring in a lot of depth. That will make the Indian team very strong.”
The ODI World Cup will be played in October 2023.
