Due to the Impact Player rule in the IPL, we have seen some all-rounders not needing to bowl. With the reduced responsibility, they did well with the bat. Having witnessed this in IPL, it would be difficult for the selectors to consider their bowling performances in the Ranji Trophy, SMAT or VHT even if they do well. The players might devote more time to work on their batting because their bowling skills would not be used at the highest level that they play. On that note, here, we take a look at three Indian all-rounders who might be considered pure specialist batters from now.
1) Shivam Dube
Ever since he lost a few games with the ball, CSK has not been utilizing Dube with the ball. On the other hand, he is doing well with the bat. He can now operate at No.4 and therefore, teams might not see him as an all-rounder in the future. For Dube, though, he must look to turn around his career if he has to play for India again. Pure batting might not get him that spot because ICC does not have the Impact Player rule yet.
2) Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer is one of the Indian all-rounders who might be considered pure specialist batters from now. KKR mostly used Iyer in the batting innings in IPL 2023. This might be the norm for the future. Iyer’s pace is not great and it might be easy for batters to deal with it. Iyer did well with the bat and therefore, he could focus more on it in the future. That said, to get back to Team India, he needs to market himself as an all-rounder.
3) Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar still has a chance to redeem himself with the ball. This is because he can swing the ball well and this could be useful at the start of an innings. However, with Hardik Pandya in the squad, Vijay might not get this chance in IPL at least. On the other hand, he is performing well with the willow again.
