Former Indian skipper and analyst Sourav Ganguly has predicted India’s strongest playing XI for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The mega event starts on October 2, 2027, with the Super Series matches in Windhoek, while the group stage officially commences on October 7, 2027, when India locks horns with Australia in Cape Town.
Speaking exclusively to Star Sports, Ganguly slotted in Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the top order. He later picked Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya for the middle order.
Additionally, Ganguly asserted that one player among Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar could be picked at No.7. He also selected Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna to conclude his playing XI.
“India will need a batter or batting all-rounder at No.7 as they have to bat deep in the South African conditions. I am not sure if Jadeja will be considered. If he is, then one of him, Dube, or Sundar can be the No.7. Axar at 8 makes it a very strong batting lineup and well balanced,” Ganguly said on Star Sports.
One surprising omission in the XI is that of the veteran wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, despite the spinner doing well in the West Indies ODI series at home. Notably, Kuldeep was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ on a batting-friendly Trivandrum surface against the West Indies after picking up a four-wicket haul.
Sourav Ganguly’s India playing XI for the ODI World Cup 2027: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar/Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
