The 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa is drawing closer, and India’s spin bowling positions are far from settled. Several players are making their case through recent performances and squad call-ups.
The competition is particularly sharp among the spin all-rounders, where form, fitness and tactical needs will all influence the final 15-man squad. Indian veteran Ravindra Jadeja is most likely to be in the setup but he needs some good support from other spinners during the middle overs.
Here are three Indian spin bowlers fighting for World Cup places:
1. Axar Patel
Axar Patel is the most experienced of the three spinners under consideration here. The left-arm spinner has taken 80 wickets in 74 ODIs at a bowling average of 32.73, and a spot in the 15-man World Cup squad is assessed as a near-certainty for him. He has also upgraded his batting, scoring two ODI half-centuries since 2025. His selection in the playing XI, however, will depend on competition from other spin all-rounders. Reports from around August 2026 suggest he is being touted as the main spin all-rounder in India’s plans for South Africa, making his form in the lead-up period critical to the team’s spin strategy.
2. Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar brings a different dimension to India’s spin attack as an off-spinner, offering variety distinct from the left-arm options of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja. He has taken 30 wickets in 34 ODIs at a bowling average of 30.53 and an economy rate below 5.00, and his tactical value against left-handed batters is rated highly. However, Sundar has not established the consistency to be considered undroppable. A hamstring injury sustained during the second ODI against England at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, ruled him out of the remainder of that series in July 2026, requiring scans and specialist opinion. Reports from August 2026 indicate he is viewed as a potential backup to Axar rather than a guaranteed starter.
3. Harsh Dubey
Harsh Dubey is the youngest and least experienced of the three, but he has caught the selectors’ attention. The Men’s Selection Committee named him as Sundar’s replacement for the third ODI against England at Lord’s on July 18, 2026. He has taken four wickets in two ODIs so far. Dubey had a productive IPL 2026 campaign with Sunrisers Hyderabad, claiming eight wickets across eight matches while striking at 144.44 with the bat. His standout spell came against Delhi Capitals with figures of 3/12, and he also took 2/18 against Lucknow Super Giants. A BCCI source told the Times of India that Dubey is being groomed as Axar’s backup. His World Cup chances are currently rated as unlikely, but his recent performances have kept him in the conversation ahead of the tournament.