The Indian team will be looking to fulfill their dream of winning another ICC Cricket World Cup, which was broken in 2023 at home, when they travel to South Africa and Zimbabwe for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. This is an important tournament for the no. 1 ranked ODI team, given that they had last won the ICC 50-over event in 2025, the Champions Trophy.
Today, we will take a look at five players who will be crucial for India’s chances of winning the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. These players are experienced and have been playing for the Indian team for a long time, and in some ways they will play a role in India’s journey to become world champions.
Here are the 5 players who will play a crucial role in India winning the ODI World Cup 2027:
5. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya has been one player that has proven to be a crucial player for India. The team missed him in the 2023 World Cup final after he had been ruled out after suffering an injury in the group stage. Pandya provides a huge balance in the team, deepening the batting and giving 5-7 overs of medium pace. India needs to ensure Pandya remains fit and doesn’t break down in the middle of a long tournament.
4. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill, the captain, has managed only one ODI series win in the three series he has led India in. He needs to sit Gautam Gambhir down and advise him to play a set combination for a couple of series. Gill has been in good form with the bat but has been having issues getting the best out of his players. He gives India good starts and takes on the bowlers in powerplay overs, so Rohit Sharma can take his time. He will need to show his authority to the team he wants and lead from the front.
3. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah has played only one ODI since the 2023 World Cup final and then got injured during fielding. India needs to make sure that Bumrah plays only the important ODIs away from home and wrap him in cotton wool. It is very necessary for India that Jasprit Bumrah remains fit for the entire ICC World Cup if the Men in Blue need to have a chance to win the tournament.
2. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma still has unfinished business with the ICC World Cup after India was defeated in the final in the 2023 edition. The ICC ODI World Cup remains the only trophy that eludes Rohit Sharma, who has two T20 World Cups and two ICC Champions Trophy wins. He has struggled a bit in ODIs since losing his captaincy in 2025 and had fitness issues as well. But Rohit has shown commitment by getting fit and will get back in form in time for the World Cup, where his experience will be highly needed.
1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli enjoys a brilliant record in South Africa, and the pitches with pace and bounce in the Rainbow Nation suit him. He has been in excellent form in the ODIs since retiring from Tests in 2025. He scored multiple centuries and has looked in form, whether it is in Australia or England or in India. Kohli remains one of the best ODI batters ever, and his experience and technique on pitches will be required as India seeks its third ICC World Cup title.
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