In an era of specialisation, the all-format player is a rare and coveted asset. With packed schedules and distinct demands of Test, ODI, and T20 cricket, only a few have the skill, fitness, and mindset to conquer all three. Who's next for India?
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The Fearless Frontrunner
Yashasvi
Jaiswal is no longer just a prospect; he's a proven performer. After a sensational start to his Test career, highlighted by double centuries against England in 2024, he has demonstrated a voracious appetite for runs and an aggressive style that puts bowlers on the back foot, regardless of the format. His game is built on a solid foundation but executed with T20 flair, allowing him to score quickly without taking undue risks. His success in the IPL further solidifies his white-ball credentials. The main challenge for Jaiswal will be managing expectations and maintaining his explosive output across a gruelling international calendar. He has already shown an ability to adapt to different conditions, and his mental toughness, forged through a well-documented early life of struggle, makes him a prime candidate for long-term, all-format success.
Shubman Gill: The Established Successor
Already a senior figure in the side, Shubman Gill has been earmarked for greatness for years. He possesses a rare combination of classical technique and modern-day power. Gill already has centuries in all three international formats, a feat few cricketers achieve in their entire careers. His record in ODIs is particularly stellar, where he became the fastest player in history to 2,000 runs. While his Test performances have sometimes been inconsistent, particularly away from home, he has shown signs of maturing into a reliable middle-order batsman. Having taken on captaincy roles in the IPL, Gill is now seen not just as a batting mainstay but as a future leader. For him, becoming a true all-format legend is less about potential and more about achieving consistent dominance across all conditions.
Abhishek Sharma: The T20 Dynamo with More to Offer
Abhishek Sharma has set the T20 world alight with his hyper-aggressive opening batting, forming a formidable partnership for his IPL franchise and translating that form to the international stage for India. His strike rates are often staggering, and he has shown an ability to score runs against every type of bowling, all over the world. But can he be more than a white-ball specialist? In interviews, Sharma has expressed a desire to succeed in all formats, and as a Yuvraj Singh protégé, he has a great template to follow. His game includes handy left-arm spin, adding a valuable all-round dimension. The question is whether he can adapt his high-risk game for the patience and defensive solidity required in Test cricket. While many see him as a T20-only player, his domestic performances and own ambitions suggest he could yet develop the gears needed for the longer formats.
Riyan Parag: The Domestic Titan Knocking on the Door
After years of being a promising but inconsistent talent, Riyan Parag has exploded in the last couple of domestic seasons. He topped the run-scoring charts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a stunning strike rate and average, scoring seven consecutive T20 half-centuries. This white-ball dominance translated into the IPL, where he has become the batting backbone for his franchise, even taking on captaincy responsibilities. While his reputation has been built in T20s, his all-round ability—offering both off-spin and leg-spin—and strong performances for India A show a player with a broader skill set. To make the leap to a true all-format star, Parag needs to translate his domestic red-ball numbers into consistent performances at the highest level. His T20 game is secure; the next step is proving he has the temperament for Test cricket.
