The ODI World Cup 2027 is well over a year away, but India are already preparing for the mega event, as they aim to win their third trophy, and achieve the glory that they missed out by a whisker in 2023. Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has selected his ideal 15-player squad.
He believed that this carefully chosen group will ensure India has a strong campaign in the upcoming tournament, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
While acknowledging that there is plenty of time before the tournament begins, Robin Uthappa stressed that playing this specific group of players consistently over the next 12 months would serve as the ideal preparation.
“So this is my World Cup team for 2027 in South Africa. Granted, we have a year to go, but I think if these 15 plays over the next one year, it will be perfect prep. And this, I feel, is like a bomb squad,” Uthappa shared in a video on Instagram.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi In
For the top order, Robin Uthappa selected veteran Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and , who has yet to make his ODI debut. His middle-order features established stars Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, alongside Sanju Samson.
According to Robin Uthappa, Sanju Samson’s inclusion brings crucial flexibility to the team’s balance.
“Sanju – he comes up as a backup wicketkeeper who can play a finisher role, also can play opener as well. He’s got the versatility, which is why I’m going for Sanju,” Uthappa explained.
Spinners and All-Rounders
The all-rounder and spin department consists of Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav. Robin Uthappa felt that this specific combination provides excellent variety, with Kuldeep offering a unique threat alongside the left-arm spinners.
“You have spin that goes away, spin that comes in, covered,” he noted.
The Pace Attack
Robin Uthappa’s four-man fast-bowling unit is led by Jasprit Bumrah. He is joined by Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and the surprise inclusion of veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has not played an ODI for India since January 2022.
“I think with this squad, if you play over the next one year, it will be perfect prep for a gun 2027 ODI World Cup,” Uthappa concluded.
Robin Uthappa’s 15-Man India Squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.