Can Ashutosh Sharma Fill India's All-rounder Void?
The uncapped IPL finisher is impressing with medium pace for Hampshire, offering a potential solution to India's long-standing need for a seam-bowling all-rounder.
Ashutosh Sharma, best known for his explosive batting in the IPL, is quietly building a case as a genuine all-rounder. During his stint with Hampshire in the England One Day Cup 2026, he has picked up key wickets with his medium pace, including figures of 3/48 and 4/54. The county side has shown faith in him by giving him meaningful overs with both the new and old ball, moving him beyond a part-time role.
India's search for a reliable pace-bowling all-rounder has become urgent again, with Hardik Pandya battling injuries and Nitish Kumar Reddy also recovering. If Ashutosh continues to develop his bowling, he could become the long-term option India need in ODIs. His timing is perfect, as the team looks for alternatives to reduce reliance on Pandya, whose fitness remains a concern.