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The former Indian cricketer WV Raman said that if Hardik Pandya stays fit, the star all-rounder can become one of the biggest strengths of the India national cricket team at the ICC World Cup 2027. However, Hardik Pandya ruled out of England ODI series.
Hardik's recent fitness concerns have raised concerns, but Raman believes that there is no doubt about his value to the side. Raman said that he can contribute with both bat and ball, giving the team more balance and more options, and that is really crucial in the big events like the World Cup.
Fitness concerns continue to haunt Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya’s fitness remains the biggest question as he was ruled out of both the Afghanistan series and the upcoming England tour. The star all-rounder has missed several matches because of injuries over the years, and the same issue surfaced again recently.
He was expected to be part of India's ongoing three-match ODI series against Afghanistan but had to pull out before a persistent quadriceps injury after the initial clearance. Before this, Pandya missed four IPL 2026 matches because of severe back spasms. He also battled with leg strain.
WV Raman sees Hardik Pandya as India's X-Factor for ICC World Cup 2027
However, WV Raman feels that a fully fit Hardik can make a huge difference in the ICC World Cup 2027 because he is capable of scoring important runs in the middle order and also bowling his full quota of overs. Having a player with both skills allows the team management to build a stronger and more flexible playing XI.
VIDEO | Former India batter WV Raman believes a fit Hardik Pandya can provide India with a crucial edge in the 2027 ODI World Cup, with his ability to contribute as a batter and a bowler offering the team much-needed flexibility in the big-ticket event.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 20, 2026
Raman, however, stressed… pic.twitter.com/cNxsVB1Znw
Raman was quoted as saying by PTI: “I believe that he can be a terrific cricketer for the Indian team. The flexibility he can provide if fit and able to bowl 10 overs is invaluable. But I think it will all come down to the fitness levels he can maintain. Even for this Afghanistan series, he was picked in the squad, but unfortunately, he was pulled out at the last minute because of injuries.”
WV Raman urges India to start World Cup preparations early
Raman believes India should now focus on preparing properly for the ICC World Cup 2027. With only around 15 ODI matches left before the tournament, he suggested that the Indian team management should try different combinations to identify the best squad, backup options, and their roles.
The former India women’s head coach said, “The 12 to 15 months leading up to the tournament are very important. They must utilize all bilateral series to try different combinations. This will help players discover themselves and allow the management to assess their main strength, bench strength, and possible options as the World Cup approaches.”
Raman highlights India's knockout struggles
India lifted the trophy in 1983 and 2011 but suffered heartbreaks in 2003 and 2023. Well, Raman believes that India's white-ball team has been excellent overall, but the team has often struggled to deliver its best during the most knockout matches, and that’s why it has not won the finals.
Raman signed off by saying, “They have been extraordinarily good in the white-ball format despite not winning the 50-over World Cup. They were perhaps found wanting in crucial periods of knockout games, and they will address that.”
