New Delhi: Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has stirred debate ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup by naming his preferred 15-man India squad, leaving out several high-profile players including Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and emerging talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) begins preparations for the marquee tournament, Ashwin shared his views publicly, categorising players into “Yes”, “Maybe” and “No” lists, offering a clear insight into his thinking on team balance and conditions.
Key inclusions and surprising exclusions
Ashwin’s squad features several mainstays of Indian cricket, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, forming the core of the batting unit.
The all-round department is led by Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, while the bowling attack includes key names like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav.
However, the biggest surprise came in the form of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whom Ashwin strongly backed for a return to the ODI setup.
Speaking in a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Ashwin emphasised the need to prepare Bhuvneshwar for South African conditions, which are expected to play a key role in the 2027 World Cup.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience valued
Ashwin highlighted Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s ability to swing the ball and deliver yorkers as critical assets, particularly in overseas conditions.
“I would communicate to him, get him to play all tournaments — first-class, Vijay Hazare — and get him primed for South Africa. We will need him there,” Ashwin said.
Despite a modest ODI record in South Africa, where he has taken limited wickets, Bhuvneshwar’s overall experience and recent form have impressed the former spinner.
The pacer recently enjoyed a strong campaign in the Indian Premier League, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he picked up 28 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 17.89. His ability to adapt to high-scoring conditions while maintaining control stood out during the tournament.
Players in ‘maybe’ category
Ashwin placed several prominent names in the “Maybe” category, indicating that their selection would depend on form, fitness and team requirements closer to the tournament.
These include Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami.
Ashwin’s indecision around Jadeja and Shami is particularly notable given their experience in global tournaments, suggesting that age, fitness and evolving team combinations could influence final decisions.
Big names left out
Among those excluded entirely from Ashwin’s squad are several well-known players, including Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and Washington Sundar.
The omission of Pant, in particular, is likely to spark discussion, given his match-winning abilities and experience in international cricket. Similarly, Samson’s exclusion reflects the intense competition for middle-order and wicketkeeping roles.
Other players in the “No” category include Ravi Bishnoi, Shivam Dube and rising names like Abhishek Sharma.
Squad composition and strategy
Ashwin’s “Yes” list features a balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talents:
- Batters: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
The squad reflects a strong emphasis on experience in batting and versatility in bowling, with a focus on players capable of performing in varied conditions.
Conclusion
Ravichandran Ashwin’s proposed squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup offers a bold and thought-provoking perspective on India’s future team composition. While his backing of Bhuvneshwar Kumar underlines the value of experience, the exclusion of high-profile players like Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson highlights the tough choices selectors face.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, performances in domestic and international cricket will ultimately shape the final squad. However, Ashwin’s selections have already added an intriguing dimension to the ongoing debate around India’s ideal combination for the global tournament.