Indian players in Cardiff ODI vs ENG | Source- AFP
Some players score match-winning runs, some win their county matches, a few are known to a tactical genius. And everyone’s favourite - Rohit Sharma is all of them.
The upcoming India vs England third ODI is looking to be Rohit Sharma’s final dance for India. Although he has always said he wants to play in the 2027 World Cup and lift it for his country, the selectors and team management may have moved on from him.
Rohit and Virat Kohli were looked to be India’s flagbearers in the marquee event, but the opener’s poor numbers in South Africa and his recent dip in form may go against him.
However, in this article, we will analyse what could be India’s likely squad for the ODI World Cup 2027 if Rohit Sharma calls off his time in international cricket.
India's likely WC 2027 squad without Rohit Sharma
Top Order Batters: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli
The ODI captain Shubman Gill will be the first name on the sheet when the BCCI selectors announce the 15-man squad for the World Cup 2027. He has to be one of the most reliable batters in India, with a lovely average closing at 60. However, the Indian skipper will have to prove himself at bigger stages.
If Rohit Sharma does retire after the IND vs ENG 3rd ODI at Lord’s, Yashasvi Jaiswal is next in line to be picked as Shubman Gill’s opening partner in the format. The Mumbaikar has already proved himself in Tests and has done well in the limited opportunities he has had, but Rohit’s shoes will be hard to fill.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma To Script Historic Feat With Virat Kohli In His Potential Last ODI
With Rohit Sharma out, Virat Kohli will be the lone veteran batter in the Indian line-up. He is already an undisputed GOAT of the 50-over format, if not of the game, and his experience will be very crucial as the World Cup 2027 will be held on the juicy tracks in South Africa. Moreover, he loves batting in South Africa, having racked up nearly 2,000 runs in the country.
Middle Order & Wicketkeeper Options: Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan
Shreyas Iyer has to be picked in the World Cup squad, especially after having a 500-run edition in India. However, the 2.0 version of the stylish middle order has been a whole different beast. Not only spinners, but Shreyas doesn't back down from taking down short-pitched bowling by quicks.
The ever-reliable KL Rahul will only strengthen India's middle order in the marquee event. Just like Shreyas, KLR also scored mightily in the middle order during the 2023 World Cup. Four years later, he will be wiser, smarter and more dangerous as a keeper-batter.
After his success in the 2026 T20 World Cup, the team management is backing Ishan Kishan for the backup keeper's job. The jubilant star can turn the tables around from any position, plus he can bat anywhere in the order.
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
A fit Hardik Pandya is what Team India will hope to get in the buildup to the World Cup 2026, and the BCCI is taking all measures to get the star all-rounder to his top fitness. And we all know what a fit Pandya did in the ICC events of 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Even with Pandya in there, Nitish Kumar Reddy will be selected as two are always better than one. His bowling might be a work in progress, but he brings assurance as a batter.
Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are the two best spinning all-round options in the team management's opinion. Both of them have been getting a lot of backing, and with the two bringing different traits to the table, they will be hard to ignore.
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
There has to be no debate about Jasprit Bumrah's place in the World Cup squad. In any format India plays, he has to be the main man; that's good he has been. Moreover, his numbers in South Africa (52 wickets in 19 matches) tighten the case.
The way Gurnoor Brar has started his international career, he will go places from here. A tall fast bowler, who can bowl in the high 140s, will be more than helpful in the South African conditions.
Harshit Rana is best suited for the third-pacer role in the Indian squad for the World Cup 2027. His hard-length bowling will be a tricky challenge for batters on the juicy pitches. Rana's ability to hit the long ball will also be a great addition.
There can be talks around Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, but Arshdeep Singh may get picked as a left-arm quick has to be there. Moreover, his performances in the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cup triumphs would add more weightage.
Last but not the least will be Kuldeep Yadav's name. The left-arm wrist spinner has been the best spinner in white-ball cricket for close to a decade now, and he is someone who can pick wickets anywhere in the world.
Also Read: Not Yashasvi Jaiswal! Surprising Picks Who Can Replace Rohit Sharma In India ODI Squad
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