This , as Shubman Gill and Gambhir became the first captain-coach duo for India to lose a home series against the Kiwis. This will be a big wake-up call for India with the ODI World Cup 2027 that will take place next year. This was the second consecutive ODI series defeat for India, and they have to work a lot on this format, if they aim to win their third World Cup Trophy in 2027 in South Africa.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Key In Batting Lineup
India need to go with a solid batting lineup who can play on the pacy and bouncy conditions in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, and for that they need tons of experience. Rohit Sharma will open the batting with Shubman Gill, and all will rest on the shoulders of Virat Kohli at no.3. Both Virat and Rohit will play their last-ever assignment for India in the World Cup, and will perform well to end their stellar careers on a high.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will provide the depth in the middle order that India will massively need, especially since they have lost wickets in the middle phases. Axar Patel should be picked over Ravindra Jadeja, given his batting depth. Hardik Pandya as the key lower-order batter will be essential for the Men in Blue.
Mohammed Shami Returns In Pace-Heavy Bowling Lineup
India need to go with experience in their pace bowling department, who can exploit the conditions in South Africa. Jasprit Bumrah will definitely lead the bowling attack in this tournament. Mohammed Shami should return to the squad, given his recent performances in domestic cricket, and his calibre to perform in the big tournaments, like he did in the ODI World Cup 2023.
India need to go with four genuine pacers in their squad, Hence, apart from Bumrah and Shami, India might go with Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh. Hardik Pandya will be the pace bowling all-rounder, with Nitish Kumar Reddy as his backup.
Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will be the lead spinner, with Washington Sundar as the backup.
India Predicted Squad For ODI World Cup 2027
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.