India have begun preparations for the 2027 World Cup amid challenges in the longest format, having recently suffered a 2-0 Test series loss. However, the Men in Blue bounced back in style in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, with Virat Kohli scoring a scintillating century, Rohit Sharma contributing a crucial fifty, and stand-in skipper KL Rahul adding an important half-century down the order.
As India look to maintain momentum, here’s a closer look at how their likely 2027 World Cup XI is shaping up.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to partner Shubman Gill
| Player | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 294 | 14,390 | 58 | 93.4 |
| Rohit Sharma | 269 | 11,427 | 49.2 | 92.7 |
Despite doubts over form and fitness, both Kohli and Rohit have silenced critics with strong recent performances. Rohit scored a century in the third ODI against Australia and followed it with a fifty against South Africa. Kohli, recovering from successive ducks in Australia, registered back-to-back fifty-plus scores in the ODIs. Both veterans are expected to partner captain Shubman Gill at the top of the order.
The third opener debate: Jaiswal, Gaikwad, Abhishek
Promising opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has had a modest start with 33 runs in two matches, but his potential could earn him consistent opportunities until Gill is fully settled. Alternatives include Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose upcoming performances will determine his place, and Abhishek Sharma, who must impress in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stake a claim.
Rishabh Pant’s uncertain role
| Player | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | 27 | 871 | 33.5 | 106.2 |
Rishabh Pant returned to the ODI squad for the South Africa series but did not feature in the first match, with Ruturaj Gaikwad taking the No. 4 spot. This suggests KL Rahul may remain India’s primary wicketkeeper, with a potential contest between Pant and Dhruv Jurel for the backup slot, unless Sanju Samson is reconsidered for the future.
KL Rahul and the number five conundrum
KL Rahul, previously India’s regular No. 5, has been batting at No. 6 due to a lower strike rate (67.9) in the 11–30 over phase.
| Position | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Dot % | Boundary % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 5 (11–30 overs) | 429 | 71.5 | 67.9 | 52.7 | 32.16 |
| No. 6 (31–50 overs) | 256 | 42.7 | 95.2 | 41.6 | 39.84 |
To improve the run rate, Axar Patel or Washington Sundar have been tried at No. 5, providing spin options and a left-handed presence. Sundar’s inability to accelerate may see him replaced by Axar or potentially Riyan Parag, although the latter seems unlikely.
All-rounders and fast bowlers
Hardik Pandya strengthens India’s middle-order finishing and fast-bowling options. Emerging star Harshit Rana offers power-hitting and bowling support in the No. 8 role.
Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav remain key certainties. Mohammed Siraj may face competition from Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna, with Arshdeep providing a crucial left-arm pace option.
India’s potential 2027 World Cup XI
Playing XI:
Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh
Backups:
Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar/Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad/Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna
With a blend of experience and youth, India seem well-positioned to challenge for glory in the 2027 World Cup.
