The 2027 ODI World Cup is still some way off, but the race for places in India’s squad is already taking shape. With a settled core of senior players and several younger cricketers pushing for recognition, not everyone will make the cut.
India’s squad for the Asian Games 2026, scheduled from September 24 to October 3 in Japan, offers a useful early indicator of where the selectors’ thinking currently stands. The side is led by Shreyas Iyer, with Tilak Varma named as his deputy.
Here are five Indian players who could miss the 2027 ODI World Cup:
1. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh is a left-arm medium-fast bowler from Punjab, born February 5, 1999. He has played 18 ODIs, claiming 30 wickets at an average of 25.16 and an economy rate of 5.49, including one five-wicket haul. His best ODI figures of 5/37 came against South Africa in Johannesburg in December 2023. He is expected to partner Jasprit Bumrah in the pace attack at the Asian Games 2026. However, India’s ODI pace options are well stocked. Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are the preferred senior choices, and Prasidh Krishna along with Gurnoor Brar are also part of the setup, with both having been deployed on the African continent. Arshdeep will need to consistently outperform these rivals to secure a regular berth in the 50-over side ahead of the World Cup.
2. Nitish Kumar Reddy
Nitish Kumar Reddy was born May 26, 2003, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. He is a right-handed, right-arm medium-fast all-rounder who made his ODI debut on October 19, 2025, against Australia. He has appeared in 10 ODIs, scoring 100 runs and taking eight wickets. He was included in India’s Asian Games 2026 squad, but missed the recent ODI series against England due to injury. The pace all-rounder slot in India’s ODI setup is competitive. Hardik Pandya, though not selected for the Asian Games 2026 squad due to injury concerns, remains the primary name associated with that role. Shivam Dube also competes in the same category, which further narrows the opportunities available to Reddy in the 50-over format.
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad was born January 31, 1997, in Pune, Maharashtra. He made his ODI debut on October 6, 2022, against South Africa. Across nine ODI matches, he has scored 228 runs at an average of 28.5, with a top score of 105, including one century and one half-century. Despite those numbers, Gaikwad was not selected for India’s Asian Games 2026 squad and was instead named in the India A squad. India’s top order in ODIs is crowded. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to occupy two of the top spots, while Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are also firmly in the picture. Jaiswal is seen as a backup for Rohit’s position. Gaikwad’s path to a regular ODI spot depends largely on injuries or changes among those ahead of him.
4. Tilak Varma
Selectors view Tilak Varma as one of India’s promising young talents, but he remains outside the primary playing XI in the ODI format. While there have been reports of Tilak being considered as a backup option, a regular place in the ODI setup still appears to be some distance away. The left-handed batter currently serves as India’s vice-captain in T20Is, highlighting the faith the team management has in his potential and leadership abilities. Tilak has so far played five ODIs for India, scoring 68 runs. With consistent performances and continued development, he could strengthen his case for a more prominent role.
5. Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar faces a challenging battle for a regular spot in India’s ODI playing XI despite being a quality spin-bowling all-rounder. The presence of established players such as Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja has made opportunities harder to come by for Sundar. However, his ability to contribute with both bat and ball keeps him firmly in contention whenever India require additional balance in the squad. Sundar has represented India in 34 ODIs, claiming 30 wickets while scoring 445 runs. His performances in domestic and international cricket could prove crucial as he looks to push ahead of the competition and cement his place in the ODI setup.