Gautam Gambhir, who is the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, has been advised to focus on a key area for improvement in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. Craig McMillan, a former New Zealand allrounder, suggests that India is in need of a genuine fast-bowling allrounder. This comes after Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur failed to make a significant impact during India’s recent tour of England.

“In Asian conditions, teams need a spin-bowling all-rounder like Jadeja, Washington, or once Ashwin. However, in places like New Zealand, Australia, and England, a fast-bowling all-rounder is essential. India, however, lacks a player like Hardik Pandya, who can bowl medium pace and bat lower down the order,” Craig McMillan said.

Hardik Pandya, once seen as India’s potential red-ball cricket star, has not featured in Test matches since July 2017 due to fitness issues.

In the 11 Test matches he has played, Pandya has scored 532 runs at an average of 31, which includes a Test century. With the ball, he has claimed 17 wickets.

The former Kiwi star commented on Shubman Gill’s captaincy, saying, “He appears to be a promising captain. The first series is always challenging, and in such a high-pressure environment, he made a few mistakes. However, that’s expected in his debut series. With experience, he will improve. He is the future, and India will invest in him. He will gain a better understanding of his team’s game, which I believe is crucial,” he added