India’s build-up for the 2027 World Cup hasn’t been ideal this year. At the start of the year, India lost a home ODI series to New Zealand for the first time.
New Zealand recorded a terrific come-from-behind series win by a 2-1 scoreline after losing the first ODI.
T20 cricket took center stage from February to May. Then, India thumped Afghanistan 3-0 at home, but the confidence from that series win was shattered on the UK tour, where India lost all the six completed T20Is, and England, like the Kiwis, also won the three-ODI rubber by 2-1 after going down in the opening fixture of the series.
Yes, India didn’t have their first-choice XI in England as Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana missed out on the entire series and Jasprit Bumrah on the 3rd ODI.
However, the rest of the players who featured in the series defeat are very much in the scheme of things for next year’s marquee ICC men’s event that will be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October-November.
Barring the returns of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Axar Patel, and Shubman Gill, the rest of the players performed ordinarily. The biggest of the concerns for India in the IND vs ENG ODI series was the performance of the bowlers, especially in the last two games.
Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, and Prince Yadav had disappointing shows, but they will remain in contention for a place in India’s 15-man squad for the World Cup next year.
They will be competing with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. Siraj, who was dropped in 2025, made a comeback in the ODI team during the New Zealand series but has been on a rest since the Afghanistan Test match last month and hence missed the England tour. Prasidh’s attributes make him a solid option in South African conditions, and he’s been part of the ODI setup for the past three years.
There is also the question mark of how India could make a space for Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. Kuldeep remains one of the best ODI spinners in the world but hasn’t been able to get a consistent run in the side, especially in overseas conditions, as the Indian management has shown keenness to have the mythical batting depth till No. 8. Yet, Kuldeep is expected to be part of the India squad for the World Cup 2027.
KL Rahul right now is the first-choice wicketkeeper in the ODI side but is facing contention from Ishan Kishan, who also adds the variety of a left-hander in the batting order. Dhruv Jurel has an outside chance to be part of the squad if Kishan fails to make his chances count in the ODI format.
It could be assumed that Harshit Rana has nailed down the No. 8 spot for now. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has shown a liking for Washington Sundar, but the off-spinning all-rounder’s role, especially with the ball, remains uncertain and unclear.
Will Mohammed Shami return for the 2027 World Cup?
India’s bowling woes in England have also prompted the question of the absence of Mohammed Shami, who hasn’t played for India in any format since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in February last year.
The selectors and team management seemed to have moved on from Shami. However, there’s no substitute for experience, especially in South African conditions. If the likes of Arshdeep, Prince, and Gurnoor don’t put up consistent performances, Shami could force himself back into the selectors’ radar through domestic and IPL numbers.
Shubman Gill will be the captain of India at the 2027 World Cup, with Shreyas Iyer as his deputy, unless there is any injury or a prolonged loss of form for Iyer.
One last point: will India pick a backup opener in the squad or add an all-rounder or a bowler?
Rohit wiped off the potential retirement rumors with a thunderous century at Lord’s. Assuming Rohit and Gill are the first-choice openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to be the backup opener. Ruturaj Gaikwad has proven his mettle in the middle order and could be called upon only if Kohli/Iyer/Rahul are injured.
There’s also a possibility that the selectors don’t include Jaiswal in the squad if Kishan retains his form and is the backup keeper, with Kishan also doubling as the backup opener. That would allow the selectors to add either an all-rounder or a bowler in the 15-man squad.
Similarly, Nitish Kumar Reddy is the likeliest backup for Hardik Pandya, with Shivam Dube and Suryansh Shedge next in line.
Predicted India Squad For 2027 World Cup:
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Shreyas Iyer (VC)
- Rohit Sharma
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Virat Kohli
- Hardik Pandya
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Harshit Rana
- Mohammed Siraj
- Ishan Kishan (wk)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal/Ruturaj Gaikwad/Washington Sundar
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Prasidh Krishna
Standbys: Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Shivam Dube, Dhruv Jurel
When did Mohammed Shami last play for India?
Shami’s last appearance in international cricket came in March 2025 in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. He has not been picked in any format since then.
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