![Harshit Rana, Shivam Dube [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784970510343_Shivamdube (1).jpg)
Harshit Rana, Shivam Dube [Source: AFP]
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has shared his opinion on Team India's search for a pace-bowling all-rounder ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. While several players are being considered as back-up options for Hardik Pandya, Srikkanth made it clear that he does not believe Shivam Dube and Harshit Rana are genuine all-rounders.
With ODI World Cup 2027 just around the corner, India are expected to be one of the strongest contenders for the title. However, Hardik Pandya's recurring injury concerns have forced the team management to look for players who can contribute with both bat and ball if needed.
Kris Srikkanth Rejects Shivam Dube And Harshit Rana As All-Rounders
Since Hardik Pandya has struggled with injuries over the years, India have tested several players in the all-rounder's role. Among them are Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, and Harshit Rana, who is mainly used as a pacer and can also bat at No. 8.
However, Srikkanth believes that only Nitish Kumar Reddy comes close to being an all-rounder at the moment.
"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," Srikkanth said on Star Sports.
Recently, Shivam Dube played as India's main seam-bowling all-rounder during the ODI series against England as Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy were unavailable due to injuries.
Notably, Dube impressed with the ball, taking 2 wickets in two matches. However, he failed to make an impact with the bat and was dismissed for a golden duck in his only innings.
Moreover, Dube's selection also affected the team's balance. Since India wanted another pace-bowling option, Kuldeep Yadav missed out on a place in the playing XI. It is important to note that head coach Gautam Gambhir has preferred fielding multiple all-rounders, and as a result, India went into the match with Axar Patel as their only specialist spinner.
Also Read: Hardik Pandya Begins Preparations For 2027 ODI World Cup With Special Training
Is Kris Srikkanth correct in his assessment?
There is no doubt that Hardik Pandya has been India's most dependable pace-bowling all-rounder in ODIs. Whenever he has been fit, he has won matches with both bat and ball. So far, Hardik has scored 1,904 runs in 94 ODIs, including a highest score of 92*, while also taking 91 wickets.
Meanwhile, Harshit Rana is one of the players being groomed as a possible back-up for Hardik. Although he is in strong contention for India's 2027 ODI World Cup squad, injuries have interrupted his progress. In 14 innings, Harshit has taken 26 wickets at an economy rate of 6.21 and has also scored 124 runs.
On the other hand, Shivam Dube has struggled to cement his place in India's ODI team. In 6 innings, he has picked up only 3 wickets and scored 43 runs with the bat. While both Harshit Rana and Shivam Dube have shown promise, their overall performances are still well below the standards set by Hardik Pandya.
Meanwhile, NKR has also emerged as a promising option. Although Reddy has received limited opportunities at the international level, he has consistently impressed in List A cricket.
Notably, Nitish has scored 679 runs in 25 innings and taken 23 wickets in 32 innings. Therefore, among India's emerging all-rounders, he appears to be the closest player to offering the balance that Hardik Pandya brings to the Indian team.
Therefore, Kris Srikkanth is right in his assessment, and, with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, India's search for a reliable pace-bowling all-rounder continues.
Also Read: BCCI Reveals India Test Squad Announcement Date For Sri Lanka Tour
