2019 World Cup: Analysing India's choices for the all-rounder's spot  

The 12th edition of the ICC World Cup is fast approaching and the teams are looking to settle their playing eleven as soon as possible. India, one of the strong contenders to clinch the title, are no different.

Indian team looks much balanced than other teams with only a few voids left to be filled. While the middle order muddle is a much visible issue and a lot has been discussed over what can be done and who can fit in, the all-rounder dilemma is another important thing that the think tank must care for.

Although there are some dark horses like Krunal Pandya, Deepak Hooda and Vijay Shankar, the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, and Kedhar Jadhav are the front-runners for the position as the Indian team might not want to take a risk with inexperienced players. Let us analyze these three players and try to decide who can be the first choice all-rounder for the World Cup.

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#3 Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya

The Indian team has always looked for a fast bowling all-rounder. From Kapil Dev to the likes of Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Bangar, they have had various seam bowling all-rounders at different stages.

Breaking into the Indian side in 2016, Hardik Pandya has done what the team management have expected from him. In a span of just two years, he has become the first choice all-rounder in the team. Be it smashing boundaries in the death overs or stealing a few wickets, Pandya has perfected his role in the lineup.

His breathtaking knock of 76 off 43 balls in the Champions Trophy final showcased his batting skills to world cricket. However, there has been a dip in form in the recent past. To add to his woes, he was injured in the Asia Cup 2018.

Pandya's injury has opened the doors for his competitor Ravindra Jadeja. The right-hander's finishing ability can be a vital point for his selection in the team. But his inconsistent bowling might make him wait for his chances in the eleven.

#2 Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja

The Saurashtra born all-rounder has seen a fair share of ups and downs in his career till now. Ravindra Jadeja who made his debut way back in 2008. He sealed his spot in the team alongside Ravichandran Ashwin and played a crucial part in the early years.

Though both Ashwin and Jadeja had to make way for Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav in the limited-overs formats, the left-arm spinner is still in contention for the all-rounder's spot.

Jadeja made a comeback in the ODI team by replacing the injured Hardik Pandya. What’s more interesting is that he has been impressive in his return. Jadeja has been mostly a bowling all-rounder in the past. But in his return, he has surprised everyone with his handy knocks with the bat.

However, inconsistency has been his major drawback and remains to be seen if he can perform regularly in the upcoming games. Though his place will be at stake once Hardik Pandya returns, Jadeja has made a strong statement and will be seen as a viable option.

#1 Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav, who made his debut in 2014, is another important contender for the all-rounder spot in the ODI lineup. We have seen on quite a few instances when he has turned out to be a crucial wicket-taker in the middle-overs. With his low off-spin, he has been surprisingly effective with the ball. Although a lot of criticism has risen over his bowling action for being very low and slow, one cannot deny his worthy contribution with the ball.

Though Jadhav is not a death-overs hitter, he holds the capability to sustain his wicket and take the match deep. The right-hander has a batting strike rate of over 100 in ODIs and an economy of less than five with the ball. His fitness has been a major concern. If he manages to overcome this issue, the veteran can give a tough fight to his contenders.

Although all three players hold strong reasons to be selected in the playing eleven, the Indian team can occupy only two all-rounders at most. They are set to play plenty of ODIs before the World Cup. These upcoming matches must be enough for the Indian think tank to hone in on their primary choices.