India’s journey towards the 2027 ODI World Cup is already underway. After a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 2023 final, the team now aims to rebuild for the upcoming challenge in South Africa and Zimbabwe. With the squad expected to undergo significant changes, questions arise—will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still be part of the playing XI?
- Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja are unlikely to play due to age and fitness concerns.
- Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to be India’s new opening pair.
- Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer remain vital in the middle order.
- Jasprit Bumrah will lead the bowling attack, with Arshdeep Singh as his pace partner.
India’s Possible Squad for 2027
The 2027 tournament will see a new generation of players taking center stage. Here’s a look at India’s probable playing XI:
Top Order
- Shubman Gill – With 2088 ODI runs since 2023 at an average of 59.65, Gill has cemented his place as India’s future.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – A rising star with a List A average of 53.96, offering consistency at the top.
- Virat Kohli – The veteran batter remains India’s anchor, providing experience and reliability.
Middle Order
- Shreyas Iyer – A proven performer with an ODI average of 48, ensuring stability.
- Hardik Pandya – A destructive finisher with an ODI strike rate of 111.
- KL Rahul – An adaptable batter who strengthens the lineup.
All-Rounders & Spinners
- Axar Patel – A valuable left-hander and a reliable spinner.
- Varun Chakravarthy – A mystery spinner who can be crucial on turning pitches.
- Nitish Rana – An aggressive middle-order batter and part-time spinner.
Fast Bowlers
- Jasprit Bumrah – India’s premier pacer with an impressive economy rate of 4.06 in the 2023 World Cup.
- Arshdeep Singh – A left-arm fast bowler with the ability to swing the ball.
What’s Next for India?
India’s road to the 2027 World Cup will involve strategic selections and careful workload management. While Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja might step away after the 2025 Champions Trophy, the transition to a new core looks promising. Young talents like Jaiswal and Gill bring fresh energy, while Kohli, Rahul, and Pandya provide experience and balance.
Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Play?
- Rohit Sharma (37 in 2027) may not feature due to fitness concerns.
- Virat Kohli (38 in 2027) could still play if he maintains form and fitness.
- Mohammed Shami might also miss out, allowing younger pacers to step up.
India’s Strengths & Challenges
Strengths:
- A balanced squad with experienced players and young talent.
- Strong batting depth with Gill, Jaiswal, and Iyer.
- A world-class bowling attack led by Bumrah.
Challenges:
- Transitioning away from Rohit Sharma and Jadeja.
- Finding consistency in overseas conditions.
- Managing player workload to avoid injuries.
India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup is shaping up with a blend of youth and experience. While Rohit Sharma’s participation seems doubtful, Virat Kohli’s inclusion will depend on his performance in the coming years. With a promising batting lineup, all-rounders, and a strong bowling attack, India will enter the tournament as serious contenders.
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