Ranking India's all-rounders ahead of the World Cup

With just a few months left for the World Cup, teams have started chalking out plans and strategies to field their best XI in England. From setting the right combinations to assessing their strengths and weaknesses in each department, the think tanks seem to have got their hands full in the coming months.

India too has its task cut out ahead of the mega tournament. With just a handful of ODI games left for the team to screen its players, the selectors would be keen on getting their bets right in the build-up to the World Cup.

Most likely to enter the World Cup as one of the favourites, India seems to have covered most of its bases. Be it a super-strong top order, an experienced middle-order, a prowling pace attack or even an artful spin department, the team seems to be ticking all the right essentials.

However, the Indian team would also want to fly to England with a bankable set of all-rounders, who would provide an oomph-factor to the side. Here, we rank India's all-rounding options, who are probable to be in the mix of things for the World Cup.

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The curious case of Ravichandran Ashwin

India v Zimbabwe - 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

The road to the World Cup certainly doesn't appear to be a bright one for India's premium Test bowler, Ravichandran Ashwin. With the Kuldeep-Chahal duo holding its aces as the preferred spin pair, and Ravindra Jadeja likely to be the third spinning option, Ashwin hasn't got the tide going in his favour ahead of the World Cup.

It has been quite long since the lanky off-spinner has represented India in coloured clothing and his chances of catching a plane to England this May look bleak.

However, the Tamil Nadu cricketer still finds supporters in a few former cricketers, who have backed him to make a difference if given a chance in England. While a few hope that Ashwin might make it to the list of probables for the World Cup, it remains to be seen if he does manage to make the final cut.

ODI stats

Mat: 111 Runs: 675 Avg: 16.07 Wkts: 150 Eco: 4.92

#4 Krunal Pandya

Australia v India - T20

Emerging as one of the most promising all-rounders to watch out for, Krunal Pandya shot to fame with his heroics in the IPL. A regular feature for the Mumbai Indians, the left-handed cricketer gives a bang for the buck with his crafty spin bowling and big-hitting abilities.

As a reward to his consistent run in the IPL, the senior Pandya also got a chance to make his T20 debut for India last year. Krunal Pandya has taken the field in 6 T20Is for India to get decent returns with the ball. However, he couldn't avail too many opportunities to showcase his mettle with the bat.

Yet to make his ODI debut for the men in blue, the 27-year-old will be hoping to get selected for India's upcoming home series against Australia to make a strong claim for himself for the World Cup.

ODI stats:

Yet to make his ODI debut

#3 Vijay Shankar

ECB XI v India A - Tour Match

Tamil Nadu's Vijay Shankar has been in the reckoning of international cricket for quite some time now. Featuring in the Indian ODI side in Australia and New Zealand, the all-rounder is being seen as a back-up for India's first choice fast bowling all-rounder, Hardik Pandya.

With a staggering average of 47.70 in First-Class cricket, Shankar comes as an immensely talented batsman. The 28-year-old also churns runs consistently in List A and domestic T20 leagues, making him a vital cog in his state teams and franchises.

Shankar's bowling too has improved considerably over the years to add a whole new dimension to his cricketing abilities.

However, Shankar, in the limited opportunities provided to him, has not been able to steal the limelight with eye-catchy performances. With just a few more ODIs to go for team India ahead of the World Cup, the all-rounder will be looking to make the most of any opportunity presented to him.

ODI stats:

Mat: 3 Runs: Yet to bat Wkt: 0 Eco: 4.92

#2 Ravindra Jadeja

Australia v India - ODI: Game 1

Ravindra Jadeja brings a swagger of his own to the team. From chipping in with timely wickets to assuming a bankable place down the batting order, the southpaw flaunts numerous credentials to his name. Jaddu, as he's fondly known, is also a prowler in the field, making him a strong bet to bag the all-rounder's spot.

Be it at last year's Asia Cup or during the recently concluded ODI series against Australia, the 30-year-old has proved his worth time and again in the 50-over format.

In addition to the ability to blaze away with the bat at the end, Jadeja is also capable of playing the waiting game if the need be. His bowling prowess, on the other hand, is a renowned one in world cricket.

Finishing overs quickly and giving little scope to score runs, the left-arm spinner holds his own place in the bowling department.

However, with Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav forming a successful partnership on a consistent basis, Jadeja might have the odds against him to find a spot in the team.

ODI stats

Mat: 147 Runs: 1990 Avg: 30.62 Wkts: 171 Eco: 4.89

#1 Hardik Pandya

New Zealand v India - ODI Game 3

Hardik Pandya would probably board the flight to England as one of Team India's most valuable assets. Equally effective with both bat and ball, the junior Pandya lends the much-required balance to the squad.

This very fact was palpable in India's 3rd ODI against New Zealand when the talented cricketer made a difference on his comeback to the international scene.

More likely to bat at No 7 in the batting line-up, Pandya would be an ideal bet to tonk the ball in the death overs. The hard-hitting batsman can form a daunting pair with an MS Dhoni or a Kedar Jadhav down the order.

Coming to his bowling credentials, the 24-year-old can bend his back to generate a decent amount of pace on the English pitches. Pandya would also take heart from his recent heroics in England where he decimated the English batting unit in the third Test at Nottingham.

On top of all, as Virat Kohli said, the recent controversy that marred Pandya's blooming career might just help him scale new heights in his career. And what better stage than the World Cup to announce his resurgence?

ODI stats

Mat: 44 Runs: 686 Avg: 28.58 Wkts: 42 Eco: 5.52