Overview:
Conditions in South Africa demand fast bowlers who can bowl with control and aggression, and India will lean on their most accomplished campaigners.
India faced another setback under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching, losing 1-2 in the ODI series to New Zealand, who were without several key players. This defeat is a huge blow, making Shubman Gill and Gambhir the first captain-coach duo to lose a home series to the Kiwis. As the 2027 ODI World Cup approaches, this loss serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead. India’s series loss emphasizes the need to improve if they want to win their third World Cup title in South Africa next year.
India’s challenge in the upcoming World Cup will hinge on assembling a batting group equipped for demanding overseas conditions, where pace and bounce will dominate proceedings.
The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provides assurance, but the innings will largely depend on Virat Kohli’s presence at No.3. With the tournament likely to serve as farewell for two modern greats, there is a sense that both will be keen to leave a lasting impression.
India will rely on Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul to reinforce their middle order, addressing a key weakness in the middle overs. Axar Patel should be given the nod over Ravindra Jadeja for his superior batting depth. Hardik Pandya will be a crucial figure in the lower order for India’s success.
Conditions in South Africa demand fast bowlers who can bowl with control and aggression, and India will lean on their most accomplished campaigners. Jasprit Bumrah will carry the responsibility of leading the attack, while Mohammed Shami’s name is firmly back in contention following consistent domestic performances.
Shami’s impact in high-pressure tournaments continues to strengthen his case. For balance, India should consider having four specialist pacers in their squad. Alongside Bumrah and Shami, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh could be brought in. Hardik Pandya will be the pace-bowling all-rounder, with Nitish Kumar Reddy as the backup.
India’s spin combination is likely to revolve around Axar Patel’s control and Kuldeep Yadav’s wicket-taking ability, with Washington Sundar providing depth as the alternate spinner.
India probable Squad For ODI World Cup 2027 :
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Shubman Gill (c), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar.