“One of the reasons Australia are really good is because they play six specialist bowlers and most of them can bat. We should find a seam-up bowler who can contribute with the bat because that gives you the freedom to pick one more spinner and play five specialist bowlers. In this tournament, we were forced to play with five bowlers, most of whom can't really bat.”
These words, highlighting the need for a genuine all-rounder, came from India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni after India’s exit from the Champions Trophy on Wednesday.
Back home, one man regarded as an influential all-rounder in the Delhi line-up and someone who fits the description completely, has been waiting for years for a call-up to the Indian team.
Rajat Bhatia, middle-order batsman and medium-pacer, refuses to stop hoping. With over 3000 runs in first-class cricket at a fine average of 46.01, Bhatia, for some strange reason, did not even figure in the ongoing Irani Cup team.
“I still wait for that one call that will reward me for performances. I am fit and I am raring to go,” said the 28-year-old. “But when my name doesn't even figure in the Irani Cup and Challenger Series I get upset.”
Two years ago, Bhatia played a very significant role in Delhi's Ranji Trophy win.
He amassed 600 runs and picked up 30-odd wickets in total that season — his 139* in the final against Uttar Pradesh is unforgettable.
“I have played very well the past four seasons. Last year, I was hoping I would get a call-up to the India team but instead I was sent to Israel to promote cricket,” Bhatia said.
If the selectors reckon age or performance is not on his side, they could probably do with a re-think.
After all, Aussie pacers Mitchell Johnson and Brett Lee are not exactly young yet they have been performing at the top level for a while now.