Lack of fast-bowling all-rounders bothering us: Dhoni

INDIA CRICKET TEAM has long been in the hunt for a fast-bowling/seaming all-rounder. And, the Indian team has more often than not realized this in a bitter way by touring countries like Australia and South Africa. A decade ago, it was Irfan Pathan who with his swing, pace and big-hitting shot to fame down under and certainly raised great hopes in the Indian cricketing fraternity. 

However, Pathan couldn’t sustain his brilliance and since then there has been a big void in this category. Now with just a few days remaining for the India-Australia ODI and T20 series, skipper MS Dhoni talks about the importance of having a fast-bowling all-rounder in the squad while touring countries with seamer friendly conditions. 

As reported by cricket.com.au, Dhoni said, 

“Most of the teams who are consistent in international cricket have fast bowling all-rounders and that is where we are lacking to some extent. In the subcontinent, you can still rely on the spinning all-rounder, but that’s not the case when you go outside the subcontinent.”

Dhoni was pretty excited about the new additions in the squad and expressed his views on giving the youngsters a chance to take the field. 

“That said, it gives people who have done well and been consistent in domestic cricket a chance to do well in Australia. They will get a chance to see how international cricket is slightly different to first class cricket. Yes, there are quite a few inclusions into the side and it seems they will get a chance to play in the ODIs and T20s.”