Shastri Backs Bhuvneshwar for 2027 World Cup Spot
Ravi Shastri has named a 15-man squad for the 2027 One-Day International World Cup, with Shubman Gill as captain and Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma leading India’s batting in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Following England’s 2-1 victory over India in a recent One-Day International series, Shastri revealed his ideal international team makeup.
The Men in Blue were recently defeated 2-1 in an unexpected ODI series in England. Eleven of the fifteen players selected by India’s former head coach competed in the 2023 World Cup, when they finished second, illustrating Shastri’s view in the importance of experienced players in the team’s success.
But if you look at current Indian team, they have tremendous skill, fantastic players, and all you have to do is find the correct balance and mix,” the former India all-rounder stated during a Sportstak conversation.
Ravi described how he selects a team that balances seasoned players who have won games and emerging players who are ready for the big stage.
How does Ravi Shastri put together the World Cup team?
Following the last England series, Ravi Shastri’s decisions demonstrate a deliberate strategy. Despite the Indian management’s constant experimentation and player shuffling under Gautam Gambhir, Shastri chose experience for the 2027 World Cup.
This decision indicates a clear preference for seasoned campaigners and proven match winners over players who are still getting established in the ODI format.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s selection drew special attention because, despite his extended absence from international cricket, Ravi Shastri believes in his swing bowling and tournament-level experience.
The inclusion of Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Arshdeep Singh—the only players who have never played in an ODI World Cup before—reflects Shastri’s desire for a squad that combines stability and experience with talented, successful players.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 from October to November. India just suffered a 2-1 defeat in the ODI series against England. India will have several opportunities to test combinations and improve their final squad before the World Cup begins, which is more than two years away.
Ravi Shastri’s projected team for the ODI World Cup 2027:
Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Kuldeep Yadav
