Nari appeals: How about an award for all-rounders?

There was a reality check done on whether Team India has a genuine all-rounder and former India cricketers Chandu Borde, Salim Durrani, Nari Contractor and Bapu Nadkarni were all unanimous in their assessment.

The cricketers of the yesteryears felt there is a dearth of genuine all-rounders in the Indian team. “All-rounders are born cricketers. I don’t consider all-rounders in T20s as genuine all-rounders because they only bowl four overs,” Borde told a gathering at the Cricket Club of India on the 95th birth anniversary of Vinoo Mankad. The talk was organised by Legends Club, yesterday.

Nari Contractor

Durrani, who was capable of hitting a six on demand, said Team India badly needed an all-rounder. “I am pained to see that we don’t have a good all-rounder at present. ODIs and T20s don’t give much platform to showcase your skills,” said Durrani, who rated Kapil Dev as India’s last best all-rounder.

Former India skipper Contractor stressed on the consistency factor. “We should judge all-rounders on the basis of their consistency of winning matches. The true value of all-rounder is felt when the whole side has failed,” said Contractor, citing examples of Gary Sobers, Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff.

Contractor stressed on the need to encourage all-rounders. “We have to initiate an award for all-rounders not just at the highest level, but also at the grassroot level. There are awards for sixes and catches (in the ongoing IPL), but no award for all-rounders,” said Contractor.

Nadkarni said: “Today’s youngsters are trained to bowl defensively. They have to be told to bowl an attacking line. Limited overs cricket does not provide a conducive atmosphere for all-rounders,” he said.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!