Jacques picks the greatest ever all-rounder of all-time

The former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis is hopeful of his country producing a similar player like him soon. The legendary cricketer of his time is currently busy in discussions with the franchise Kolkata Knight Riders over the players to be retained for the upcoming season of Indian Premier League (IPL). He has been working as a coach for them for last couple of seasons. However, he believes that Gary Sobers of West Indies is the greatest ever all-rounder of all-time the game has ever seen.

Virat Kohli led team India is currently in South Africa as they lock horns in the Test series commencing on January 5 in Cape Town. Kallis is hopeful of a great series and opines that Hardik Pandya would be key as an all-rounder for India during the whole tour. Proteas too are set to unleash the full-strength pace attack over the visitors and even the legendary player is excited about the fact. Though due to his IPL commitments it seems he wouldn’t get time to witness the contest.

Pandya has got a lot of talent

Jacques Kallis was perplexed after asking his team’s failure to produce an all-rounder like him again while speaking to Hindustan Times. “It’s a difficult one to answer. I suppose all-rounders don’t come around every day and the guys are certainly searching for the next all-rounder. Few guys are trying and putting their hands up. Hopefully, we can produce a guy who can change that. Obviously, Gary Sobers is the one who stands out (as an all-rounder). His record speaks for itself,” he said.

Even the 42-year-old was excited about the young Indian star Hardik Pandya who will play in South Africa for the first time in his career. “I haven’t seen much of him. But all-rounders do play a role in balancing a side out. He looks like he has got a lot of talent. Everyone’s interested in seeing how he goes about his business, particularly in South African conditions that are a little more helpful for seam bowlers,” Kallis added.

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