Forgotten India Players Who Can Still Make The 2027 World Cup Squad

Bhuvneshwar Kumar for India [Source: AFP]

Several Indian cricketers have quietly drifted out of the national setup over the last few years. Some lost their places because of injuries, while others became victims of team combinations, workload management or India's transition towards a younger squad. 

Yet, writing off experienced match-winners completely would be premature. With more than a year remaining before the 2027 ODI World Cup, there is still enough time for a remarkable comeback. 

Hence, let’s take a look at some of the veterans that the selectors could once again turn to for their proven experience when building India's World Cup squad.

1. Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal has arguably been one of the unluckiest cricketers in recent Indian history. His last ODI appearance came against New Zealand on January 24, 2023, while his final T20I was against West Indies on August 13, 2023. 

Surprisingly, Chahal wasn't dropped because of poor performances. Instead, India preferred Kuldeep Yadav due to better squad balance, while the management also prioritised batting depth. The emergence of Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakaravarthy further pushed Chahal down the pecking order despite his consistent record.

The leg-spinner has continued proving his worth away from international cricket. He has picked up five wickets in three matches for Northamptonshire in the 2026 One-Day Cup at an impressive economy of 4.53. 

Before that, he claimed 12 wickets in 12 IPL matches. Across his ODI career, Chahal has taken 121 wickets in just 72 matches at an average of 27.13 and an economy rate of 5.27, numbers that underline his quality as one of India's finest white-ball spinners.

Realistically, his road back into the Indian team is extremely difficult. Chahal has also ventured into commentary alongside playing cricket, suggesting he has accepted life outside the national setup. 

However, selectors have rewarded exceptional domestic performances before. If the veteran continues dominating county cricket and produces another memorable IPL season, the BCCI could still view him as an experienced wrist-spinner capable of making a difference at the 2027 ODI World Cup.

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2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is another senior player whose international career appears unfinished. The veteran seamer last represented India in November 2022 before gradually falling out of favour. A dip in pace, recurring injury concerns and India's decision to invest in younger fast bowlers resulted in his exit from the national team. 

While his speed reduced over the years, Bhuvneshwar's biggest strength has never been raw pace. His ability to swing the new ball, bowl disciplined lines and deliver under pressure still makes him a valuable option in ODI cricket.

The 2026 IPL reminded everyone of his enduring class. Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Bhuvneshwar emerged as one of their standout bowlers and played a crucial role in their successful campaign. His performances in the playoffs and final once again highlighted his ability to thrive in high-pressure matches.

His overall numbers remain impressive as well. Bhuvneshwar has picked up 141 wickets in 121 ODIs while maintaining an economy rate of just 5.08. Very few Indian fast bowlers have matched his consistency with the new ball over such a long period.

India already possesses world-class pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, but experience becomes invaluable in ICC tournaments. If Bhuvneshwar continues performing at the highest domestic level and stays fit, the selectors may consider bringing him back as an experienced backup who can mentor younger bowlers while still delivering with the ball.

3. Mohammed Shami

Among the three players, Mohammed Shami perhaps has the strongest case for a comeback. The veteran fast bowler's absence has largely been due to long-term fitness issues rather than form. 

Following heel and Achilles surgeries, the Indian management adopted a cautious approach towards his workload. At the same time, the selectors accelerated the transition towards younger fast bowlers, leaving Shami outside India's plans despite his proven record.

His recent IPL performances for Lucknow Super Giants were steady without being extraordinary, but the quality that made him India's biggest match-winner in ICC tournaments hasn't disappeared. 

Across 108 ODIs, Shami has claimed 206 wickets at an outstanding average of 24.05. His World Cup record is equally remarkable, having starred in the 2015, 2019 and especially the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker despite missing India's first four matches.

At 36, Shami knows time is running out. However, he has repeatedly expressed his desire to return if the team requires him. Indian cricket has already witnessed remarkable comeback stories, with Karun Nair forcing his way back into the Test side through outstanding domestic performances. 

If Shami enjoys a similar resurgence and proves that his fitness can handle international cricket again, the selectors may still hand him one final opportunity before the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Conclusion: How realistic is the comeback road?

Experience alone doesn't guarantee selection, but neither does age automatically end a career. Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami have all delivered for India on the biggest stages. 

With more than a year remaining before the 2027 ODI World Cup, exceptional performances in domestic and franchise cricket could still reopen the doors to the national team. While their chances vary, none of them can be completely ruled out just yet.

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