Not Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma! 1st Name Confirmed In India Squad For 2027 World Cup

1st name in IND 2027 World Cup squad confirmed [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, the first name that will enter the India squad for the 2027 World Cup has been revealed. After winning the T20 World Cup, core members of the Indian team are representing their respective franchises in the IPL 2026. 

Amid the ongoing IPL season, it has been understood that the Indian team has finalised the first member of their 2027 World Cup squad. 

While some of their prominent T20I players, including Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, etc., have yet to enter the ODI squad, all eyes are on talismanic cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah as the Indian team prepares for the marquee event in South Africa next year. 

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma pipped As India finalise 1st player for 2027 World Cup

The legendary duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been grinding and exhibiting their class in the IPL 2026. Both cricketers had a fabulous start to the ongoing IPL season, smacking power-packed fifties in the opening matches of RCB and the Mumbai Indians. 

Although the BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar called them non-committal to the 2027 World Cup, Kohli and Rohit have reduced those statements into baseless claims, fine-tuning their skills for the showpiece event. 

Virat Kohli has been as consistent as ever, amassing 891 runs at an average of 68.54 and a strike rate of 98.45 across 16 ODI innings since 2025. 

On the other hand, Rohit Sharma has improved his fitness standards leaps and bounds, shredding significant weight ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The former captain has undergone a noticeable physical transformation, showing his commitment to the Indian team. 

However, despite being two of the finest players of their generation, Kohli and Rohit have reportedly been pipped, with India confirming Hardik Pandya as the first name in the 2027 World Cup. 

Hardik Pandya told to preserve his best for 2027 World Cup

According to an exclusive report by TOI, ace Indian allrounder Hardik Pandya has been told by the BCCI to keep himself fit and available for the 2027 World Cup.  

This means Pandya undoubtedly is India's most valuable player heading to the marquee event, courtesy of his incredible all-round attributes. 

Also read: Hardik Pandya Reveals Special Chat With Shardul Thakur After Match-Winning Spell Vs KKR

As it's well known, Hardik Pandya has suffered multiple injury setbacks in the past. In fact, the experienced all-rounder was ruled out midway through the 2023 World Cup due to a foot injury that he sustained against Bangladesh. 

The TOI report suggests that Pandya had an open conversation with the BCCI selectors and the Indian team management after missing the New Zealand ODIs at home. 

The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, had said that Pandya wasn't picked because he couldn't convince the selectors that he could bowl 10 overs at full tilt. 

When he met the selectors and the team management in January, the decision-makers told Pandya to focus on bowling his full quota of 10 overs, considering the pitches in South Africa assist seam bowling. 

"Hardik is expected to play a big role in the ODI setup since the World Cup will be played on fast and bouncy pitches in South Africa. He can lend the perfect balance. He has to convince the selectors and the team management that he will be available to bowl 10 overs. He may not be required to do so in every match. The captain may end up bowling him for 6-7 overs in most matches. But he should be available if the captain needs more from him," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by TOl.

Hardik Pandya: The true MVP of India for 2027 World Cup

The way the BCCI is preparing Hardik Pandya shows how crucial he is from Team India's perspective. 

Apart from ensuring fitting finishes for the Men in Blue, Pandya can chip in with crucial breakthroughs across all three phases. He can generate seam movement and deceive the batters with cutters and slow balls in the middle and slog overs. 

In 94 ODIs, Hardik Pandya has amassed 1904 runs at an average of 32.8 and a strike rate of 110.9. He has also picked 91 wickets with his medium pace and could be the most significant member in India's 2027 World Cup squad, provided he remains fit for the entire event. 

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