Sunil Gavaskar’s Predicted India Squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup Gets Strong Backing
Although the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 is still more than a year away, discussions around India's probable squad have already begun. Cricket experts and former players are sharing their predictions as fans eagerly speculate about the team that could represent India in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
India has not lifted the ODI World Cup since its historic triumph in 2011. In the 2023 edition, the Men in Blue enjoyed a dominant campaign but finished as runners-up. After winning the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy, expectations will be even higher for the Shubman Gill-led side heading into the next global tournament.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Predicted Squad
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has picked a balanced 15-member squad featuring a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra reviewed the selection and praised its overall balance.
Top Order
Shubman Gill (Captain)
Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul
According to Chopra, retaining the same top five that featured in the Champions Trophy provides stability and experience.
Wicketkeeper
Ishan Kishan
Chopra highlighted Kishan's recent form, saying he has performed consistently and deserves a place in the squad.
All-Rounders
Hardik Pandya
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Axar Patel
Ravindra Jadeja
The four all-rounders offer batting depth and multiple bowling options. Chopra described the combinations as sensible, with experienced players capable of covering similar roles when required.
Bowling Attack
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Kuldeep Yadav
Harshit Rana
Arshdeep Singh
The bowling unit includes pace, left-arm variety, and quality spin. Harshit Rana's batting ability adds extra flexibility, while Arshdeep Singh provides a valuable left-arm pace option.
Aakash Chopra Rates the Squad Highly
Aakash Chopra believes Gavaskar's selection is extremely close to what India's final World Cup squad could look like. He rated the team between 8.5 and 9 out of 10, praising the balance between experience and youth.
Ravichandran Ashwin Wants Bhuvneshwar Kumar Back
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also shared his thoughts on India's World Cup plans. One of his biggest suggestions was bringing back experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Ashwin believes Bhuvneshwar should play domestic tournaments, including first-class cricket and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, to prepare for South African conditions, where swing bowling could play a crucial role.
Ashwin's World Cup Selection Categories
Confirmed Picks
Shubman Gill
Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul
Ishan Kishan
Hardik Pandya
Axar Patel
Kuldeep Yadav
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Harshit Rana
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Players Under Consideration
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Varun Chakravarthy
Ravindra Jadeja
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Mohammed Shami
Arshdeep Singh
Prasidh Krishna
Players Unlikely to Make the Squad
Rishabh Pant
Washington Sundar
Sanju Samson
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Abhishek Sharma
Ravi Bishnoi
Shivam Dube
Prince Yadav
Gurnoor Brar
Final Thoughts
With more than a year remaining before the 2027 ODI World Cup, India's squad is far from final. Player form, fitness, and performances in upcoming international and domestic tournaments will ultimately determine the final selection.
However, Sunil Gavaskar's predicted squad has already sparked plenty of discussion among cricket fans, while Aakash Chopra and Ravichandran Ashwin have offered valuable insights into what India's strongest combination could look like for the biggest tournament in ODI cricket.
Disclaimer: This article is based on opinions shared by former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar, Aakash Chopra, and Ravichandran Ashwin. The official Indian squad for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup has not been announced by the BCCI.
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