![Ishan Kishan has been in stellar form as of late [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1781768645176_IshanKishanhasbeeninstellarformasoflate.jpg?type=hq)
Ishan Kishan has been in stellar form as of late [Source: AFP]
The World Cup 2027 is still 1.5 years away, but planning for the marquee event for Team India has already started as they aim to find their best combination. The ODI matches leading up to the World Cup will be crucial for the Indian side as several players are in contention to book their place.
One of the big names who can be included in the Indian squad for the World Cup 2027 could be the dynamic Ishan Kishan. From being out of the team to now being considered as an undisputed starter, Kishan has come a long way in 2026.
He has been outstanding in the ongoing Afghanistan ODIs, and the left-handed batter has been asked to play at number 3, a position occupied by Kohli. The legendary batter was ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury, and Kishan has cemented the spot with a century in the second ODI.
Many feel Kishan could be a threat to Kohli’s spot in the 2027 World Cup, but in reality, his form could be a cause of worry for Rohit Sharma, and not Kohli.
Reasons why Rohit Sharma's place in World Cup 2027 is unsure
Numbers have dipped in 2026
| Criterion | Data |
| Matches | 5 |
| Runs | 125 |
| Average | 25.00 |
| 50s/100s | 0/0 |
(Rohit Sharma ODI stats in 2026)
- Just 125 runs in 5 matches with an average of 25 define Rohit Sharma's ODI numbers in 2026. He has zero fifty-plus scores this year, and the opponents have found ways to dismiss him easily.
- He has struggled to score runs, and this has hampered the Indian side as they sweat hard on his form.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma's Injury Is Severe! 2027 World Cup Hopes Take Another Hit
Injury-prone in 2026
At 39, Rohit Sharma is not getting any younger, and injuries have taken a toll on his body. By the time the World Cup arrives, Rohit will be nearly 41, and the big question arises: Can he stay fully-fit for the marquee event?
In IPL 2026, Rohit sustained a hamstring injury, and he was out for a considerable period of time. Even after his return, Rohit has been off-colour and has been going through minor injury issues.
That has not been the case with Virat Kohli. His injury record has been better than Rohit's, and Kohli will still be the undisputed starter for India in 2027.
Why Kohli's place is safe in the Indian ODI side
Kohli has the runs behind him, and 99% of the time, he stays fit, which is a big plus for the Indian side. He scored truckloads of runs in the IPL 2026, and even before that in the ODIs against South Africa and New Zealand, the right-handed batter was the undisputed best batter of the series.
| Criterion | ODIs vs South Africa | ODIs vs New Zealand |
| Matches | 3 | 3 |
| Runs | 302 | 240 |
| Average | 117.05 | 80 |
| 50s/100s | 1/2 | 1/1 |
(Kohli ODI numbers in the last two series)
- As the numbers reveal, in the last two ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand, Kohli has been ruthless and has accumulated plenty of runs to cement his place in the ODIs. He has had three centuries in the last six ODIs, and while others struggled, he registered runs for fun.
- Moreover, he is considered the undisputed GOAT of the ODIs, and he has been almost untouchable at number 3 for India.
Why Ishan Kishan could replace Rohit in 2027 World Cup squad
Ishan Kishan has the age, fitness, and numbers to back himself for a spot in the World Cup 2027 for the Indian side.
Stellar numbers in ODI cricket
| Criterion | Data |
| Matches | 29 |
| Runs | 1092 |
| Average | 45.50 |
| 50s/100s | 107.69 |
(Ishan Kishan ODI stats)
- Kishan boasts stellar ODI numbers, as the southpaw has played 29 matches, and has scored 1092 runs, with an average of 45.50, and a strike rate of 197.69. He not only scores runs, but churns them at a rapid rate.
- In the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan, Kishan scored a sublime century in the second game of the series, and the left-handed player has been in the form of his life.
His best position has been the opening spot
Out of his 1092 runs, Kishan has scored most of them while opening the batting for the Indian side.
He has accumulated 495 runs in nine matches, with an average of 61, and a strike rate of 121.92 as an opener in ODIs.
Left-right combination for 2027 World Cup
If Ishan Kishan replaces Rohit Sharma at the top, Team India will get a left-right combination, with Kishan being the left-handed batter, and captain Shubman Gill right-handed. This may look like a minor change in the side, but ask any bowler, and he would despise bowling to a left-right combination as it disrupts their rhythm.
Also Read: Pakistan Captain Sets All-Time T20 World Cup Record, Becomes First-Ever To Do So
