R Ashwin backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar [Source: AFP]India have already started preparing for ODI World Cup 2027, with the team expected to test different combinations before the tournament begins. The mega event will be played across 12 venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Meanwhile, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his preferred India squad for ODI World Cup 2027 during a discussion with Cricinfo. While selecting players in a "yes, no or maybe" format, Ashwin backed several experienced stars and also made one surprise selection.R Ashwin Picks His Core India Squad For World Cup 2027During the conversation, R Ashwin was asked whether certain players should be part of India's World Cup squad. Notably, he confidently picked several senior stars, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, believing they still have an important role to play in the 2027 tournament.Apart from the experienced duo, Ashwin also backed Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan. In the all-rounders' department, he selected Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, while Harshit Rana also received his approval.For the bowling attack, Ashwin included Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav.Several Big Names Miss Out In R Ashwin’s ODI World Cup SquadWhile Ashwin backed many players, he also left out some well-known names. Surprisingly, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant didn’t make his preferred squad. Similarly, Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube were also rejected.Furthermore, Ashwin was unsure about a few players and placed them in the "maybe" category. These included Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh.According to Ashwin, these players still have time to prove themselves before ODI World Cup 2027, and their performances over the next few months could decide whether they make the final squad.Also Read: R Ashwin Defends Injury-Prone Mayank Yadav Following Zimbabwe HeroicsBhuvneshwar Kumar Emerges As R Ashwin's Surprise ChoiceThe biggest talking point from Ashwin's selections was his support for experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Although Bhuvneshwar's name was not initially mentioned during the discussion, Ashwin himself brought it up and insisted that the experienced pacer should be part of India's World Cup plans.Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Ashwin said: "Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a yes. I would communicate to him. Get him to play all the tournaments, first-class, Vijay Hazare, everything, and get him prime going to South Africa. I think we will need him there."Notably, Ashwin believes Bhuvneshwar's experience and ability to bowl in helpful conditions could be valuable in South Africa during ODI World Cup 2027.Why R Ashwin Wants Bhuvneshwar Kumar BackBhuvneshwar Kumar enjoyed an impressive IPL 2026 season, playing a key role in RCB's title-winning campaign. Notably, the veteran pacer finished the tournament with 28 wickets. Even though the 36-year-old has not represented India since 2022 due to recurring injuries, Ashwin feels his experience should not be ignored.Talking about Bhuvneshwar’s ODI performance, he has taken 141 wickets in 121 ODIs at an average of 35.11, with his best figures being 5/42. Across all international formats, he has picked up 294 wickets in 229 matches. In South Africa, he has claimed 19 wickets from 13 international matches, including his best figures of 5/24.R Ashwin's India ODI World Cup 2027 SquadVirat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar KumarAlso Read: No Nahid Rana, No Problem: Bangladesh Captain Fires Warning At Australia
