The next big ODI event after the ICC World Cup 2023 is the 2025 Champions Trophy. The qualification for the mega event has started. Pakistan will host the event in 2025, and neighbors India have qualified for the mega event now.
India have a solid ODI team right now, but their main all-rounder Hardik Pandya is an injury-prone player. In the ongoing 2023 World Cup, Pandya hurt himself during the match against Bangladesh and has been ruled out of the entire tournament now.
India had to name fast bowler Prasidh Krishna as a replacement for him because there is no other pace-bowling all-rounder on Hardik’s level. In this article now, we will look at the three all-rounders whom India can groom as Hardik’s backup for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
1. India should groom Venkatesh Iyer for 2025 Champions Trophy
Venkatesh Iyer was once considered to be Hardik Pandya’s replacement when the latter took a long break from cricket. Iyer even played a few ODIs and T20Is for India but did not receive a long rope from the team management. He is a left-handed batter, who bowls right-arm pace. If groomed well, he can be a decent all-round option.
2. Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur is present in India’s World Cup squad right now, but he is not yet ready as a batter. He can smash big hits, but Thakur cannot play the role which Hardik does. If Thakur works on his batting in the next two years, he can be an asset for the team.
3. Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar played for India in the 2019 World Cup. Despite having decent numbers in ODI cricket, Shankar has not received a chance to play in the 50-over format after the 2019 WC. He was in terrific form while playing for the Gujarat Titans in IPL. Perhaps, if he can improve his bowling, Shankar can return to the Indian squad.
