Allround woes for Indians

Aug 14, 2010 |

Correspondent

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Dambulla, Aug. 13: As India desperately look for redemption in the ongoing tri-series, the absence of a genuine all-rounder has rarely been so badly felt. Ravindra Jadeja has never really convinced in the role and his show against New Zealand continued to raise questions about his ability. The search for a talented multi-tasker has been a work in progress for long with many applicants coming in but unable to fill the void.

India have 13 scheduled ODIs after the tri-series to tune up for the World Cup and the pivotal spot is still open. “Without doubt a genuine all-rounder will make a huge difference. It helps playing the extra batsman or bowler. At the moment we are struggling to find one but are hopeful of a player standing up in the near future,” said Kris Srikkanth, chairman of the senior selection committee.

The search has been a long one. Yusuf Pathan has played 37 games while Jadeja has 31 to his name. In the former’s case the problem has been in finding a regular place in the middle order. Out of the 26 times he batted, he has faced an average of 14.03 deliveries per innings — not enough to develop in the role.

Jadeja’s has the numbers has hardly contributed in a winning cause. Skipper M.S. Dhoni, during the Asia Cup made it clear that he was expecting more from Jadeja the batsman.

Irfan Pathan once seen as the long term solution is now in the wilderness, not having played for the country in ODIs after February 2009. Irfan blossoming as a batsman during the Greg Chappell era also saw the Baroda player lose confidence with the ball, and with that, his place in the side.

With the World Cup approaching most sides have their all-rounder firmly slotted. It will only be stressing the obvious that many of India’s famous trophy triumphs in the 80s and 90s were fashioned by players who contributed in both disciplines. “It is not easy to discover a player in the calibre of Kapil Dev overnight. The likes of Ravi Shastri and Manoj Prabhakar are also tough to come by. We have been trying a few youngsters and I am sure with experience they will come good,” said Srikkanth.

The problem has been the potential candidates failing to be consistent.

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