Team India has been dealt with a severe blow as fast-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the ICC World Cup 2023, owing to an ankle injury he picked up in the match against Bangladesh. Since then, there have been a lot of ifs and buts over his availability. But the reason why perhaps he is the most important player in the team is, the kind of balance he provides with his all-round skills — a decent pacer, a gun fielder, and a batsman who can bat anywhere in the order.
Hardik Pandya’s injury has once again raised a question, if India have the next fast-bowling all-rounder ready to take over? The answer could be a no for now, but there are a few exciting prospects who could serve India in the future.
Potential Hardik Pandya Replacement for Future
Raj Bawa
This right-hand batsman and bowler first rose to fame during the U-19 World Cup in 2021, where India lost to Bangladesh in the final. The 20-year-old already plays in the IPL for Punjab Kings, but is yet to come up with a substantial performance. He needs to be consistent and maintain fitness levels, to be in the reckoning. In the 13 T20 matches, he has 10 wickets and 137 runs to his name.
Harshit Rana
Another U-19 World Cup star, Harshit Rana should be on India’s radar for the future. He is a good fast bowler and an equally good batsman. At least his first-class record says so. In seven FC matches, he has 28 wickets at an average of 26.35, and 343 runs to go with the bat, at an average of 49. He looks like a genuine all-rounder as well.
Arjun Tendulkar
One all-rounder that no one seems to be talking about is Arjun Tendulkar. He has the pedigree to be a good batsman and is an upcoming fast bowler. In the last IPL, he made his debut for the Mumbai Indians as well and seems to have the potential to go all the way and play for India. So far he hasn’t come up with brilliant performances, but a couple of notable ones for sure. On his FC debut, he scored a ton. In the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Saurashtra, he scored a quickfire 47 runs and also returned with figures of 1/34.
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