India’s schedule for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 was confirmed as the ICC unveiled the venues and schedule for the entire tournament. It will be played from October 7 to November 21 next year. South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host the games at eleven venues.
India has been placed in Group A with Afghanistan, Australia, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe and Qualifier A and will begin the tournament against Australia on October 7. India will need to have all of their first-choice players with enough games under their belt, and also everyone should be at the peak of their fitness. Hence, today we will take a look at three players whose fitness is giving headaches to Indian management.
Here are the 3 Indian players with fitness concerns ahead of the ODI World Cup 2027:
3. Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana has been out of commission since before the T20 World Cup 2026, where he suffered a knee injury during the warm-up games. He underwent surgery for the same and missed IPL 2026 as well. When he got fit and was ready to begin playing competitive cricket, he was found overweight and was sent back to the BCCI CoE for further issues. Rana has played 14 ODIs for India, claiming 16 wickets at an average of 27.38. His ability to bowl 140-plus and bat at no. 8 makes him a huge positive for India, but his fitness will be of importance.
2. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah returned from a knee injury during England ODIs, which led to him missing the Afghanistan and West Indies series. He also missed the Sri Lanka Tests and recently made his return to the Indian team for the Asian Games 2026. Bumrah is India’s key bowler and always gives the captain a wicket whenever needed. However, India will need to handle the fragile Bumrah better and only play him in ODIs going forward, and Tests should only be limited to the New Zealand series.
1. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya has been out of action since the IPL 2026 due to back spasms and recently suffered a quad injury just before he was set to return to the Indian team. He also missed the recent India A’s one-day series against Australia A, and it remains to be seen when Hardik is ready to come back to Blue Jersey. Hardik is crucial to the Indian team’s balance in ODIs, and his fitness will ensure how good India performs going forward. His absence hurt India badly in the 2023 World Cup final against Australia, and he needs to be handled carefully in ODIs in the coming series.
