- ALL-ROUNDERS:
Hardik Pandya as a seam bowling all-rounder has grown in stature in a short span of time. From someone who constantly bowled the ‘Hit Me’ deliveries, to someone who can bowl in the 140’s and hit the good lengths, Pandya’s metamorphosis has been a fairytale for India. Earlier this year, the Baroda all-rounder was simply superb against England as he picked up wickets at the crucial junctures and as a finisher, tonked the ball a long way. His partnership which almost won India the game at Kolkata out of nowhere is enough to certify that his improved finishing skills can be relied upon.
Along with Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja will be the other all-rounder. Jadeja was the winner of the Golden Ball in the previous edition and would look to continue his smooth run in England. Making his return to ODI’s against England earlier this year, Jadeja was among the wickets and extremely miserly with the ball in the context of the series. It is often proven that when Jadeja bowls well in the middle overs, India more often than not wins matches. This time around as well, this hypothesis could determine India’s fate for the tournament.