An Indian Playing XI of this era always struggles with balance. In many games, although it’s risky, the management goes ahead with only five bowling options. While its good to back the players, the factor of injury or a seriously bad day must also be considered.
One of the major reasons for this is that the Indian Team finds it hard to find players who can bowl in the top half of the XI. All-rounders who come into the XI usually have bowling as the primary skill. Likes of Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube can only bat in the lower middle-order.
Nevertheless, in this article, we present to you an Indian Playing XI comprising all-rounders of this generation. This is to show you that the squad is growing in this aspect.
Openers: Washington Sundar and Nitish Rana
We open the batting with Washington Sundar and Nitish Rana, both of whom have had the experience of playing in this position. While Washi has done it for Tamil Nadu and in TNPL, Rana has opened for KKR in a game or two. Although Sundar’s batting exploits are under-used, he is actually no muck with the bat. On the other hand, Rana is a proper top-order batsman who is credited as an all-rounder for his efficient off-spin bowling.
Middle-Order: Vijay Shankar, Kedar Jadhav (WK), Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja (C)
This segment of the Indian Playing XI can be a tricky one to formulate. Nevertheless, some experienced players can do the job. Vijay Shankar’s form sometime depends on the time spent at the crease till then. Hence, he can be suitable at No.3.
Kedar Jadhav has won India quite a few games with his bowling. He is also someone who can keep wickets. Hence, he is at the fulcrum of this middle-order.
Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja will have equal responsibilities in both departments. While Hardik must lead the pace unit, Jaddu must take the task of captaining the team and the spin-bowling attack.
Lower Middle-Order: Shivam Dube and Krunal Pandya
Although Shivam Dube is often used as a big-hitter, he is also a useful bowler. His medium pace can sometimes trouble the batsmen. Hence, it might not be a bad idea to open the bowling with Dube. Krunal is more of a bowler, but if wickets fall early, he can come in and stabilize the batting innings. Therefore, both these players are in the XI.
Tail-End: Axar Patel, Rahul Tewatia and K Gowtham
In the tail-end, we have three all-rounders who could have more bowling responsibilities, although they can be excellent batsman, too. Axar Patel’s left-arm off-spin is creating waves in recent days. He is a useful batsman as well. K Gowtham is an orthodox right-arm offie, who can lend support to the attacking job of the batting unit. Rahul Tewatia comes into the XI as the leg-spin option and a floater in the batting department.
