India’s build‑up for the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, is taking shape as selectors weigh options for a 15‑man squad. The team will chase a third title, with Australia entering as defending champions. While much of the core appears settled, several batting and bowling positions remain open, and performance and fitness over the next year will likely dictate the final list.
Shubman Gill, now ODI captain, is expected to lead the batting and open the innings after amassing 1,051 runs at 65.68 since 2025. Virat Kohli, focusing exclusively on ODIs, has added 1,035 runs at 64.68 and is a strong candidate for the No 3 slot. KL Rahul offers middle‑order stability and wicket‑keeping cover, having scored 561 runs at an average above 51. Shreyas Iyer and the emerging Tilak Varma are in contention for the No 4 role, while Ishan Kishan’s recent century against Afghanistan puts him in the mix as a left‑handed wicket‑keeper‑batter. Yashasvi Jaiswal remains an outside option for the top order, and a potential Rahul‑Kishan battle could shape the final composition.
All‑rounder Hardik Pandya remains the most valuable piece for balance, provided his bowling fitness is confirmed. Axar Patel has bolstered his case with two half‑centuries and left‑arm spin, while Washington Sundar adds another spin option with growing batting promise. Kuldeep Yadav continues as the primary wrist‑spin wicket‑taker, though selectors may weigh depth in batting when finalising the spin contingent.
Jasprit Bumrah is the most certain bowler, assuming he stays fit, given his effectiveness across powerplays, middle overs and death spells. Arshdeep Singh’s left‑arm pace, Prasidh Krishna’s bounce suited to South African conditions, and Harshit Rana’s emerging fast‑bowling credentials add variety. Mohammed Siraj provides experience, while younger pacers such as Gurnoor Brar are being monitored for consistency.
A provisional squad lists Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma among batters; Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar as all‑rounders; and Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna as bowlers. Final selection will hinge on form, injury status and the resolution of key questions around Rohit Sharma’s future, the wicket‑keeping hierarchy and the availability of Pandya and Bumrah.
