Indian cricket’s yearning for all-rounders is an old one. But the qualification to be an all-round resource in T20s is less demanding. You don’t need to be a Kapil Dev. A power-hitter who can also bowl an over of swing and control in the powerplay is more than efficient. A middle-overs banker with bat and ball is equally useful. Are we talking about Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja?

It would be difficult for the selectors to look past the two experienced all-rounders from the east and west of Gujarat, arguably because of the TINA (there is no alternative) factor. That is because there has been no concerted effort to discover more multi-skilled players. Surely, a cricket ecosystem that bars its players from overseas leagues should have thought of giving the Impact Player rule a break from IPL in a World Cup year.

Hardik and Jadeja have lacked zing in their stroke-play, but it has hurt their IPL teams to a lesser degree. As cricket returns to 11-a-side game in the T20 World Cup, all-rounders will regain currency. Hardik and Jadeja are still India’s best options.

Before IPL started, there was anxiety around Hardik’s bowling fitness, returning from his injury suffered during the ODI World Cup. He has been far from his best, having conceded big overs (20 or more runs) thrice this year. The hope is, he will only improve.