'Missing a Fast-bowling All-rounder': Ex-IND Cricketer Calls for India to Have a Hardik Pandya-like Option for Tests

As Team India heads into the second Test against New Zealand, set to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Stadium in Pune, beginning on October 24. One aspect that continues to be talked about is the balance between quality batters and bowlers in the starting 11.

The former Indian cricketer and former Vice-President of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), Venkatpathy Raju suggested that the current Indian side is lacking in a quality fast-bowling all-rounder and also revealed his confusion with India’s move to play with only two fast-bowlers in the opening Test at Bengaluru.

“India are missing a fast-bowling all-rounder. A fast-bowling all-rounder plays a huge role in the team. We have spin all-rounders like Ashwin, Jadeja and Washington, but not a single fast-bowling all-rounder. I was surprised India picked only two fast bowlers for the Bengaluru Test,” he said in an interview with the Times of India (TOI).

When we talk about a high-quality fast-bowling all-rounder, only one man comes to mind. Hardik Pandya. However, the former Indian cricketer does not believe that the Baroda-based cricketer wants to play red-ball cricket.

“Hardik Pandya is there but is he willing to play red-ball cricket? Is he ready for Tests? I don’t think he wants to,” the former HCA VP said.

Raju however, emphasised the benefit in having a quality fast-bowling all-rounder in the side as he believes that such an option eases the pressure on the captain with regards to his options.

“If he’s available, it’s a huge plus for the team. A fast-bowling all-rounder eases the captain’s burden. You get an extra fast bowler and a batter at the same time,” he added.

Barring Pandya, India’s all-round options are fairly limited at the moment. None of the current lot can match the quality in both aspects that Pandya provides. However Nitish Reddy could be one for the future as he showed glimpses of his potential in the 2024 season in the Indian Premier League for the Sunrisers Hyderabad and also the Indian T20I side during the Bangladesh series.

Reddy has also been named in the India-A squad that will tour Australia later this month and it could be his chance to experience Australian conditions and possible get that maiden Test call-up.