Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Make India ODI World Cup 2027 Squad? Here’s Predicted Players List
Will veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli make Team India 2027 ODI World Cup squad? Check out the probable 15-man players list.
Key Takeaways – India Squad for ODI World Cup 2027
- Why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain crucial to India’s ODI World Cup 2027 plans.
- Which players are almost certain to make India’s ODI World Cup 2027 squad?
- India’s strongest batting, all-rounder, and bowling combinations for the tournament.
- The players who could miss out despite being in contention.
- Our predicted India ODI World Cup 2027 Squad
When the ICC ODI World Cup 2011 was played, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar was 38 years old. Widely regarded as the greatest batter in cricket history, Tendulkar had already achieved almost everything the game had to offer. However, one dream still remained unfulfilled in his illustrious career – winning the ODI World Cup for India. Having represented the country in the 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2007 editions, Sachin finally realised that dream in his sixth World Cup appearance as India lifted the coveted trophy on home soil in 2011.
When Sachin Tendulkar made his international debut in 1989, Virat Kohli was just one year old, while Rohit Sharma was two. Fast forward to the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, and Rohit and Virat find themselves in a remarkably similar position to the one Sachin was in before the 2011 World Cup. By the time the tournament begins, Virat Kohli will be 39 years old and Rohit Sharma 40. Both Indian legends have conquered almost every milestone in ODI cricket, yet one dream remains unfinished – the opportunity to win another ODI World Cup together and further cement their legacy as part of India’s greatest-ever generation of cricketers.
Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Make India’s ODI World Cup 2027 Squad?
So, to address the biggest question surrounding India’s ODI World Cup 2027 plans: will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli make the squad? The answer, as things stand today, is a resounding yes. There should be little doubt about the place of these two modern-day legends in India’s ODI setup. Not only are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fit enough to continue for the next few years, but both remain among India’s most important performers in the 50-over format.
More importantly, India’s ODI team management continues to view Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as the pillars around whom the batting unit is built. Their experience in high-pressure ICC tournaments, ability to control the tempo of an innings, and proven record in knockout matches remain unmatched within the current setup. In fact, if either of them were to miss the ODI World Cup 2027, it could prove to be a bigger setback for India than for the players themselves, as the team is yet to identify equally experienced and battle-tested replacements for cricket’s biggest tournament.
India ODI World Cup 2027 Probable Squad
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s World Cup selection debate largely settled, let’s now look at the players who appear all but certain to be part of India’s ODI World Cup 2027 squad. Based on the current ODI setup, and the roles assigned to players over the last few years, there are at least eleven names that should be considered near-automatic selections, barring any major injury concerns or drastic loss of form.
That core group includes captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav. These 9 players, alongside Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have formed the core of India’s ODI setup over the last few years. As things stand today, this is also the most likely first-choice Playing XI that the Indian team management could back for the ODI World Cup 2027, unless future form, injuries, or tactical requirements force a change in combination.
At the top, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli provide stability, experience, and run-scoring consistency. The middle order is expected to revolve around Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja offer the balance of batting depth and all-round versatility that every successful World Cup side requires, with Harshit Rana adding more support, if required. With the ball, Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s pace spearhead, while Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh provide strong support in the fast-bowling department. Kuldeep Yadav continues to be India’s premier wicket-taking spin option, giving the attack a proven match-winner in the middle overs.
Why Ishan Kishan over Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant?
With 11 players appearing almost certain to make India’s ODI World Cup 2027 squad, the selection focus now shifts to the backup options. Ideally, India would want cover for four key roles – an opening batter, a wicketkeeper, a backup All-rounder, a specialist spinner, and a fast bowler. For the backup opener and wicketkeeper role, India possess a valuable two-in-one option in Ishan Kishan. His ability to open the batting and keep wickets makes him one of the most versatile players in contention for the squad.
Selecting Kishan could allow India to address two requirements with a single squad spot, giving the team greater flexibility in balancing the remaining 15-man squad. Moreover, Kishan offers an additional layer of value through his adaptability. While he is primarily viewed as an attacking opener, he has also shown the ability to bat in the middle order when required. As a result, India may not necessarily need to carry separate backup options such as Yashasvi Jaiswal for the opening slot and Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant as reserve wicketkeepers, making Kishan a strong candidate for a place in the ODI World Cup 2027 squad.
Will Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy Make the Squad?
Coming to the remaining squad spots, India would ideally want an additional pace-bowling option and a spin-bowling all-rounder to provide flexibility across different conditions. Mohammed Siraj remains one of India’s premier fast bowlers and, despite intense competition for places, should be among the leading contenders for the pace-bowling group. His ability to strike with the new ball and operate effectively during the Powerplay makes him a valuable asset in ODI cricket.
Meanwhile, Washington Sundar offers a completely different dimension to the squad. As an off-spinning all-rounder capable of contributing in both departments, Sundar provides balance and tactical flexibility. In conditions where the pitches offer limited assistance to wrist spinners, India could even consider fielding Sundar alongside, or in certain situations ahead of, a specialist spinner. His ability to strengthen the batting while still delivering a full quota of overs makes him a strong contender for the ODI World Cup 2027 squad.
Finally, the battle for the last squad spot could come down to overall team balance, and Nitish Kumar Reddy appears to be a leading candidate. Over the last year, Nitish has significantly improved both his batting and bowling, emerging as a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder. With Nitish on the side, India can practically play him at number 8, and utilise his bowling for a few overs, if needed. This way, India can strengthen the batting depth while still retaining a viable sixth bowling option, giving the team greater flexibility in balancing its Playing XI.
Team India ODI World Cup 2027 Probable 15-member Squad List
Batters
- Rohit Sharma
- Shreyas Iyer (vc)
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Virat Kohli
Wicket-keepers
- Ishan Kishan
- KL Rahul
All-rounders
- Hardik Pandya
- Nitish Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
Bowlers
- Arshdeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
While the ODI World Cup 2027 is still some distance away, India’s core squad already appears to be taking shape. Barring injuries or a dramatic loss of form, veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli look firmly on course to feature in what could be their final ODI World Cup campaign. With a strong blend of experience and emerging talent, India possess all the ingredients required to challenge for cricket’s biggest prize and potentially bring the ODI World Cup trophy back home once again.
Thanks for reading! Do you agree with our predicted India ODI World Cup 2027 squad? If Rohit’s fitness forces a change, who opens the batting with Shubman Gill – Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ishan Kishan? Share your thoughts at business@cricalytics.com.
