![Shami has been touted to make a comeback in the ODI setup [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1788762708382_ShamihasbeentoutedtomakeacomebackintheODIsetup.jpg?type=hq)
Shami has been touted to make a comeback in the ODI setup [Source: AFP]
The ODI World Cup 2027 is still far away, but the Indian team has already started its preparations as the Men in Blue aim to win their third World title in the 50-over format. The core of the Indian ODI setup is ready for the World Cup, with the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Jasprit Bumrah set to be an integral part.
However, the team lacks quality in its bowling department, and if they are to win the World Cup, the BCCI needs more quality in that department.
The bowling department woes for India heading into 2027 ODI World Cup
- India’s best bowler across formats, Jasprit Bumrah, has been in and out of the team, and in the last three years, he has only played in two ODI matches.
- Since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Bumrah has only played in two ODIs and was ruled out of the England series midway due to an injury. While he remains India’s best bet in South Africa, India cannot rely on him due to his injury track record.
- Moreover, there have been question marks regarding Harshit Rana’s fitness, as the pacer was recently criticised for his weight management issues. The likes of Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, and Prince Yadav are still not at their best, as India’s fast bowling woes continue to worsen.
- The same has been the case in their spin department, as Kuldeep Yadav has been entirely snubbed by the management, and Ravindra Jadeja has entered the twilight of his career, and India doesn't have quality replacements.
Hence, the BCCI might have no option, but to go back to their forgotten stars to help the team win the 2027 ODI World Cup. In this article, we take a look at the forgotten players who can be brought back into the ODI setup.
1) Mohammed Shami
Over the last few years, Mohammed Shami, the veteran pacer, has been snubbed by the BCCI, but it seems the tables are set to turn in his favour.
According to a report by ABP News, the Indian selectors are set to pick Shami in the upcoming West Indies ODI matches. He has performed exceptionally well in the Indian domestic setup, and with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh named in the Asian Games squad, Shami could lead the ODI bowling attack.
Moreover, India does need Shami’s assistance and experience in the 2027 World Cup, as the pacer has scalped 55 wickets in just 18 games and stands fifth in the list in terms of most wickets in ODI World Cups.
Also Read: Mohammed Shami Records That Will Be Impossible To Break By An Indian Bowler
The bouncy South African wickets will also suit his style of bowling, as India could do wonders if Shami returns to the side.
2) Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Just like Shami, it has been years since Bhuvneshwar Kumar last donned an Indian jersey. Since his ouster, the right-arm pacer has wreaked havoc in the IPL and in various domestic competitions, and many former cricketers have vouched for his comeback in the ODI setup.
Bhuvneshwar certainly has the experience of playing in South African conditions, and he can be a dangerous commodity for India with the new ball inside the powerplay.
Moreover, apart from his new-ball prowess, the seamer can also be used in the death overs alongside Jasprit Bumrah.
3) Yuzvendra Chahal
Chahal was excluded from the Indian ODI setup despite picking 121 wickets in just 72 matches, with an average of 27.13. He last played an ODI in 2023, and since then, the Men in Blue have tried a plethora of spinners, but none have delivered like the forgotten leg-spinner.
Currently, Chahal has been delivering the goods in the County Championship, and with Kuldeep Yadav’s place uncertain and no other quality spinner available, the Men in Blue could bring the forgotten spinner back into the team.
Also Read: Hardik Pandya 2.0 At 2027 World Cup: All-Rounders India Have In The Pool
Also, the leg-break bowler has a stellar ODI record in South Africa. In nine matches, he has 18 wickets to his name, with an average of just 22.72, and India can use this experience to their advantage.
4) Krunal Pandya
A few days ago, it was reported that Krunal Pandya, the all-rounder, would get a place in the T20I team, but when the squad was announced, his name was missing.
However, Team India can still do with Krunal in the ODI setup, considering the fact that Jadeja has not been the same in this format, and the side needs someone who can score runs at number 7 and can also deliver 7-8 quality overs.
Krunal last played an ODI game in 2021, and in the five matches he has played, the all-rounder averages 65. He can play as an anchor and as an aggressor in the lower order, and with his improved bowling skills, Krunal can be a solid option to take into the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Conclusion
India certainly has chinks in their armour as they plan to win the 2027 ODI World Cup. While the batting looks solid, the bowling department needs a rejig, as several players are either injured or have been woefully out of touch.
To strengthen the department, India can and should go ahead with a bit of experience in the side, and some of the forgotten big names like Shami, Bhuvneshwar, Chahal, and even Krunal should be considered for a comeback.
Remember, there is no substitute for experience, and most of the players mentioned in the list have prior experience of playing in South African conditions.
Also Read: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Himself Reveals His Take On India Comeback
