India Needs an Multi Format All-rounder in Modern Cricket

The ongoing series between India and South Africa has highlighted why every top international side dream of having an Multi format all-rounder who can influence matches across Tests, One Day Internationals, and T20 cricket. South Africa have showcased a perfect example in Marco Jansen. He first impressed in Test cricket with his ability to generate steep bounce and movement, then contributed with both bat and ball, in the ODIs and has now stepped up in the T20 format as well. His rise across all formats has reignited the discussion about India and their search for a similar player who can consistently shape games with dual skills. When Jansen walks out for South Africa, he gives them balance, flexibility, and depth.

Marco Jansen Shows the Value of an All-Format Player

Marco Jansen has become the perfect advertisement for the modern fast bowling all rounder. In Tests he is an attacking bowler who can trouble the best batters with his height and swing. In One Day Internationals he adds early breakthroughs and provides late order hitting. In T20 cricket he uses variations and smart lengths to control runs, while still being capable of clearing the boundary when needed. His impact has been consistent across formats which is the main reason South Africa looks more balanced.

The ability of one player to contribute significantly to both departments allows a team to play an extra batter or an extra bowler depending on conditions. It gives the captain more tactical control and gives the selectors more freedom when they build a squad. India have seen similar value when Hardik Pandya has been fully fit but they do not currently have a genuine seam bowling all-rounder who can be used in Tests or One Day Internationals on a permanent basis.

India and the Search for a True Multi Format All-rounder

Three formats, cramped schedules, more power hitting, and more intense bowling demands mean that only a few players in the world can sustain quality across all formats. India have spin bowling all rounders who can play long spells and also bat with stability. However, a fast bowling all rounder provides a different kind of balance that India currently lack.

A seam bowling all rounder gives the attack more depth and variety. He makes it easier for the team to field five bowlers without weakening the batting. He allows flexibility in overseas conditions where India often rely heavily on their front line seamers. Even in home conditions, an all rounder who bowls pace opens up tactical options and allows more attacking cricket.

At the moment India depend on Hardik Pandya as the closest option. Whenever he is fit the team immediately becomes more balanced. There is an extra finisher in the lower order. There is an extra bowler who can deliver four overs in T20s or six to seven crucial overs in One Day Internationals. Unfortunately, fitness issues have not allowed him to become an all-format player.

Hardik Pandya Shows the Impact but Also the Need for Backup

When Hardik Pandya plays India instantly look like a more dangerous team. He brings power hitting that few others can replicate. He bowls at a decent pace and has the ability to break partnerships. His fielding adds more value. Most importantly he fits perfectly into the modern template of multi skilled cricketers.

However, the main concern has been his body. India therefore face a constant challenge. There is no like for like replacement waiting in the wings. There are promising cricketers but none who have yet shown the ability to deliver across formats with consistency. Hardik at his peak improves India in every department but no team can rely on a single player for such a key role. There must be a second option who is capable of growing into an all format role over time.

Spin Bowling All Rounders Are Not Enough for All Conditions

India do have talented spin bowling all-rounders. Axar Patel has been very impressive across formats. He offers tight control, wicket taking ability, and the comfort of batting at number seven. Washington Sundar has shown his skill in T20 cricket, his potential in One Day Internationals, and his temperament in Test cricket. India have been using several spin based all-round options in recent years, which shows how strongly the team values multi skilled cricketers. This trend is explored in detail in an article about Team India’s obsession with all-rounders, which highlights how the balance often leans toward spin rather than pace. Both are excellent multi format prospects.

However, seam bowling all-rounders provide a different value. In South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia the conditions often suit pace. A spin based all-rounder cannot play the same role with the ball. Similarly in white ball cricket teams prefer at least three seamers in most conditions which means a seam bowling all-rounder fits the structure better.

So, while Axar and Sundar remain valuable players, India still needs a pace option who can take responsibility with both bat and ball.

Why an All Format All Rounder Is a Luxury Worth Investing In

Modern cricket demands players who can adapt. Squads have become larger but balance within the playing eleven remains the biggest challenge. Teams that have a genuine all format all rounder do not face this problem as often. The player fills two roles and creates space to strengthen either batting or bowling depending on match situations.

England found this when Ben Stokes became their main all-round force. Australia experienced the same with Shane Watson and more recently with players like Cameron Green. New Zealand have benefited from Jimmy Neesham and Daryl Mitchell even though they are not always first choice. South Africa now enjoys this luxury with Marco Jansen.

For India the ideal scenario is to develop one or two young fast bowling all rounders. They should be slowly groomed across formats. They should be given exposure in India A tours, domestic cricket, and selective international games. This investment will be important for the next five to ten years because the demands of cricket will only increase.

Possible Path Forward for India

The search cannot be rushed but it must begin with a clear plan. India should identify players in domestic cricket who show promise with both bat and ball. The National Cricket Academy should supervise their workload to avoid injuries at a young age. Such players should be encouraged to play county cricket or overseas leagues when possible to gain experience in varied conditions.

The team management should also create roles for them in white ball cricket before pushing them into Test cricket. In modern cricket confidence in limited overs formats often helps young players perform calmly in Tests. The structure that shaped Hardik Pandya in his early years can be replicated with more attention to fitness and injury prevention.

India do not necessarily need someone who can hit sixes every over. They need a player who can bat responsibly at number seven or eight and bowl ten overs in One Day Internationals or four overs in T20s while also becoming a potential third seamer in Test matches. Even a modest but consistent all-rounder will provide enormous value to the team.

Conclusion

The ongoing India versus South Africa series has made the importance of an all format all rounder very clear. Marco Jansen has demonstrated how one player can influence an entire series with dual skills. India have world class talent across formats but the absence of a pace bowling all rounder reduces flexibility and balance. The country has strong spin bowling all rounders and a proven match winner in Hardik Pandya but fitness issues and lack of backups create uncertainty.

Developing a genuine all format all rounder is not easy but it is essential. If India want to remain competitive across all conditions and formats, they must invest in grooming a player who can bat, bowl pace, and adapt to the shifting demands of the modern game. Such a player will not only strengthen the team but will also bring the tactical freedom that separates good teams from great ones.

Not everything is negative for India because the team does have a few top order batters who can contribute with the ball when needed. These part time options may not be full all rounders, but they still add depth. You can read more about them in this article on Indian batters who can bowl and offer additional balance to the team.