According to former England captain Nasser Hussain, India’s overseas performance is hindered by the absence of a seam-bowling all-rounder, a role comparable to Ben Stokes or Cameron Green. He emphasized the importance of having a player who can bat and provide effective seam bowling, particularly away from home. Hussain noted that India’s strength lies in their home conditions, with players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, but overseas tours require a different balance.
Hussain highlighted the significance of players like Rishabh Pant, stating that his absence has been deeply felt by the team. He expressed hope for Pant’s swift return. Hussain also discussed the value of Hardik Pandya as a seam-bowling all-rounder, suggesting that his fitness would greatly benefit the team’s performance abroad.
Jasprit Bumrah’s return from injury was deemed crucial, with Hussain mentioning his potential impact across formats. He anticipated Bumrah’s performance in upcoming matches against Ireland, especially in the lead-up to the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup.
Hussain praised India’s recent Test series win against the West Indies, highlighting debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive century. He noted that Jaiswal’s solid start indicated a promising future for the young cricketer. The development of such players, not just in the IPL but also in first-class cricket, is seen as a positive sign for Indian cricket.
In essence, Hussain underscored the need for a seam-bowling all-rounder, like Ben Stokes or Cameron Green, to strengthen India’s overseas performance. He acknowledged the team’s prowess at home but emphasized the importance of balance and adaptability for success on foreign tours.
