The schedule for the 2027 ODI World Cup has been announced, with South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe set to host the tournament.
India will kick off its campaign against Australia on October 7. However, several pressing questions loom over the team management and selectors regarding the squad’s composition.
One major concern is the lack of a backup opener. While Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma are confirmed to start, injuries could leave India vulnerable. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included in the ODI squad multiple times but has yet to play a significant role, having participated in only six ODIs, with just two appearances this year. If Ishan Kishan is considered as an alternative, he has also played only five ODIs in 2026 and was not given an opportunity in the recent series against the West Indies.
The middle-order batting lineup is also a significant challenge for the Indian team. In the recent ODI series against England, Ishan Kishan batted at number four in one match, while Shreyas Iyer took that position in another. K.L. Rahul’s batting position has been frequently altered, leaving the management uncertain about the best combinations.
With only 11 ODIs and the Asia Cup remaining before the World Cup, it is crucial to finalize the middle-order configuration. The lower order raises additional concerns, as Washington Sundar and Axar Patel have not performed up to expectations.
Another area of uncertainty is the wicketkeeper position. K.L. Rahul has typically donned the gloves in ODIs, but keeping in South African conditions could pose challenges for him. The exclusion of Rishabh Pant signals that he may not fit into the team’s plans. Ishan Kishan has not received enough opportunities to prove himself as a wicketkeeper in ODIs.
The pace attack’s composition remains unclear as well. Fast bowlers will play a pivotal role in South Africa, and the Indian team’s strategy is still uncertain. Jasprit Bumrah has participated in only two ODIs since the last World Cup and was not included in the recent series against the West Indies.
Prasidh Krishna’s frequent injuries are a cause for concern, while Arshdeep Singh has not been as effective in ODIs as in T20s. Gurnoor Barar is being tested as a third fast bowler but struggled in the recent series against the West Indies. Harshit Rana has also been battling injuries, and backup bowlers like Mohammad Siraj and Anshul Kamboj have not made significant impacts.
As the countdown to the World Cup begins, India must address these critical issues to build a competitive team for the tournament.