India have failed to win an ICC event since 2013. Despite reaching the finals and semi-finals, the team has returned empty handed. In the ICC T20 World Cup this year, the Men in Blue were eliminated from the Super 12 stage. Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels the team lacks proper all-rounders who can contribute as batters and bowlers.
He gave the example of 1983, 2007 and 2011 teams. The squads had quality all-round stars, who played a key role in Team India’s success.
According to the legendary player, India will have find such players if they want to win the upcoming World Cups.
“It was a squad of 14 players and one manager and we conquered the cricketing world. There were no field restrictions then, no limitations on the number of bouncers too and the red ball in English conditions which hardly stopped moving even after the shine was gone,” Gavaskar said about India’s 1983 World Cup winning team while writing in his column for Mid-Day.
“That team were full of all-rounders and that is the key especially in limited overs cricket. Even the 2007 and 2011 teams had batsmen who could bowl and bowlers who were no bunnies with the bat. If India can find two all-rounders, then we will have a better chance in the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022 and in the 50 overs Cup at home in India in 2023.”