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A pace bowling all-rounder is a valuable asset in cricket, contributing significantly to the team’s success with both bat and ball. In the realm of fast-paced formats like One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is), a player who excels in both skills adds versatility and balance to the team. Such all-rounders play a crucial role in providing depth to the batting lineup, allowing for aggressive and dynamic strategies. Moreover, they bring a vital dimension to the bowling attack by offering an additional pace option, creating a more well-rounded and unpredictable team.
Hardik Pandya a key figure in Indian cricket
In this context, Hardik Pandya has emerged as a key figure in the Indian cricket team. Known for his explosive batting and brisk pace bowling, Pandya embodies the qualities of a true pace bowling all-rounder. His ability to clear the boundaries with the bat, coupled with the knack for picking up crucial wickets with the ball, makes him an invaluable asset for India.
Pandya’s injuries a major concern
However, Pandya’s consistent battle with injuries has opened the gates for the emergence of a potential next pace bowling all-rounder in the Indian cricket scenario. While Pandya’s contributions have been significant, his fitness concerns have led to periods of absence, prompting the team management to explore alternatives.
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Harbhajan Singh names his choice
The search for a reliable pace bowling all-rounder becomes crucial not only to address immediate team needs but also to ensure a seamless transition for the future. The competition among young talents striving to fill Pandya’s shoes adds a healthy element of competition within the squad, fostering depth and resilience.
Speaking about the same, Indian cricket legend Harbhajan Singh cast his vote for a young talent. Known for his astute cricketing insights, the veteran placed his bet on Shivam Dube, who recently grabbed the limelight with his all-round heroics in the first T20I against Afghanistan. Harbhajan highlighted a notable improvement in Dube’s bowling pace, indicating a dedicated effort towards enhancing his skills.
“One major change that I saw in Shivam Dube was his bowling pace. He has added a bit of it to his bowling now. His pace has definitely improved, and he has clearly worked on his fitness. He could be the long-term pace bowling all-rounder that India are looking for. If Shivam Dube scores runs in the remaining matches as well, it will be difficult to ignore him,” said Harbhajan on his YouTube channel.
India beat Afghanistan in T20I series opener
Notably, India secured a comfortable 6-wicket victory against Afghanistan. Dube’s stellar all-round display earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ accolade, contributing an unbeaten 60 runs from 40 deliveries. The 30-year-old showcased his bowling prowess with an economical spell, conceding only 9 runs and claiming a wicket in his 2 overs.
