From one team to another, the debate of all-rounders has often been a focal point in the cricketing folklore. Meanwhile, Team India recently saw the suspension of Hardik Pandya following the ‘misogynist’ comments with didn’t sit well with the fans either. But Indian skipper Virat Kohli says all-rounder lends stability in the unit, and the bowling unit relies on the all-rounder.
“To be honest, the bowling department depends on an all-rounder. As long as we have all-rounders in the side, it strikes the balance,” Kohli maintained on the eve of One-day International series opener at Napier.
Moreover, Kohli stated the teams across the world have banked on at least two all-rounders. He feels it further gives you multiple options to shuffle.
Also, Kohli feels it becomes essential to opt for the three premium pacers if a player like Pandya and Vijay Shankar would miss out in the playing XI.
In the absence of an all-rounder three pacers makes some sense: Kohli
Shankar who had a decent outing in the domestic leg replaced Pandya during the Australia tour.
“The strongest sides in the world cricket have got two all-rounders, to say the least. Few got three as well. That gives you bowling options. Unless someone like Vijay Shankar or Hardik Pandya doesn’t play, going with three fast bowlers makes a sense,” Kohli added.
So far, the 27-year-old Shankar has featured in five Twenty20 Internationals. His ODI debut game against Australia at Melbourne on January 19, 2019.
On the other side, Pandya has featured in 42 ODIs, 35 T20Is and 11 Tests for India.
During the series Down Under, the Baroda all-rounder Pandya was forced to go home following his ‘racist’ and ‘sexist’ remarks on the Koffee with Karan Tv show. Also, Pandya’s teammate KL Rahul faced the wrath for the misbehaviour.
Seam-up all-rounder a vital cog in the wheel:
While talking about the nitty-gritty of the bowling department, Kohli inferred apart from the main two bowlers; there is no need of a third bowler who clocks at 140 kph if the team has had introduced all-round who can confound the batters.
“But, when you got an all-rounder bowling seam-up, there is no need for a bowler bowling 140 as the third bowler with the two other fast bowlers,” Kohli further said.
Kohli asserted the situation of third fast bowler would arise when all-rounder won’t be able to meet the expectations.
“Still, if you have an all-rounder, who is not firing than the situation demands to include another fast bowler. When you have fast bowling all-rounder, you won’t think about three fast bowlers,” Kohli concluded.
Now, Pandya has missed the three-match ODI series against Australia and the Kiwis limited-overs tour it would be interesting to see how Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would treat the matter in the time to come.
As of now, the quantum of punishment for Pandya and Rahul hasn’t been laid down yet officially.