India, Dec. 2 -- Gautam Gambhir's reliance on all-rounders across formats has long drawn criticism, but the chatter peaked after India's humiliating 0-2 Test whitewash at home against South Africa last month. It was their second home series defeat in 12 months, leaving Gambhir facing relentless scrutiny as critics showed no mercy, branding his approach a sheer "obsession."

However, Jacques Kallis, arguably the greatest all-rounder to have played the game, came to his defence, backing Gambhir's ploy and stressing the value all-rounders bring to modern cricket.

Speaking to the Hindustan Times during a media interaction for the upcoming SA20 league in South Africa, Kallis explained that having multiple all-rounders not only gives a side pe...