Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer has picked Suryansh Shedge and Nitish Kumar Reddy as two all-rounders India should back in Hardik Pandya’s absence. Jaffer said Shivam Dube is not capable with the ball after he conceded 22 runs in the solitary over of the final T20I against England.

Meanwhile, Reddy was ruled out of the UK tour, whereas Shedge could not impress much in two T20Is he played. The Mumbai all-rounder conceded 39 runs in three overs he bowled in last game of the series against England.

Wasim Jaffer said on his YouTube Channel, “If you’re looking for a like-for-like replacement who can bowl two or three overs and also contribute with the bat, then, in my opinion, Nitish Reddy and Suryansh Shedge fit that role. Shivam Dube isn’t as capable with the ball. He probably isn’t the first option you’d turn to if you need someone to bowl. But I think Nitish Reddy and perhaps Suryansh Shedge are the first two names you would look at whenever Hardik isn’t available.”

The former domestic giant urged Shivam Dube to improve his fielding. Dube dropped Harry Brook when he was on three after he failed to judge the ball while running back. Brook went on to score an unbeaten knock of 95 runs.

“One area he (Shivam Dube) needs to improve is his fielding. That’s one issue with him. He’s a bit weak in the field, and you often have to hide him while fielding. So, I think he needs to raise his fielding standards. He’s been playing for India for quite some time now.”

Jaffer said Suryansh Shedge has the potential and India should continue to back the Mumbai all-rounder.

He concluded, “Suryansh Shedge, I think he has the potential. You can see that he has variations in his bowling, and he is capable with the bat as well. He can hit the ball hard. They’ve given Suryansh Shedge an opportunity, and I just feel that he has the potential. They should continue backing him.”

India and England will next take on each other in a three-match ODI series, starting Tuesday at Edgbaston, Birmingham.