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Hardik Pandya has received strong backing for a place in India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup despite another injury setback. Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes the all-rounder remains a key part of the team’s plans because of the balance he provides at No. 6.
Pandya was recently ruled out of the India A squad for the three-match unofficial ODI series against Australia A after suffering a fresh injury. Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge was named as his replacement, raising further questions over Pandya’s fitness and his preparations for the 2027 World Cup.
Hardik Pandya fresh injury setback as Suryansh Shedge replaces him in India A squad for Australia A ODIs
Hardik Pandya has not played a competitive game since the 2026 IPL, where he represented Mumbai Indians in 10 of their 14 matches. His last appearance came against Rajasthan Royals on May 24.
Pandya's wait to return to action has now become longer after he was ruled out of the Australia A series because of a fresh shin injury. He was expected to use the three ODIs in Puducherry to regain match fitness, but Suryansh Shedge has now taken his place.
The all-rounder last played an ODI for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on March 9, 2025. His most recent T20I appearance came against New Zealand on March 8, 2026.
Pandya's injury troubles have continued through 2026. Hardik Pandya missed India's ODI series against Afghanistan after suffering a quadriceps strain during his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and was later ruled out of the England ODIs and West Indies series after failing to regain the required fitness.
I have never seen him in bad form. Hardik Pandya is critical at No. 6 - Aakash Chopra
Despite the fitness concerns surrounding Hardik Pandya, Aakash Chopra believes India already have a clear idea of how their top six could look at the 2027 World Cup. He backed the same core that featured prominently in India's 2023 campaign, with Hardik Pandya retaining his place in the middle order.
“When I look at the batting order, there is no difference seen between 2023 and 2027. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are your two openers, who were there in 2023 as well. Both are in good form, and I am hoping they remain in good form till the World Cup. Virat Kohli at No. 3. I don't feel there will be any dip in his form for you to have a conversation,” Chopra said.
“I am extremely confident about Shreyas Iyer. He is one of the finest middle-order batters in modern-day ODI cricket. KL Rahul at No. 5 - no conversation whatsoever. Hardik Pandya at No. 6. He is the only one with that quality of skill set. I have never seen him in bad form. Hardik Pandya is critical at No. 6,” he added.
Aakash Chopra backs Ishan Kishan for back-up batter spot in 2027 World Cup
Chopra also discussed India's options for a backup batter who can cover multiple roles in the squad. He feels Ishan Kishan currently has an advantage because of his ability to contribute as both a wicketkeeper and batter while covering different positions.
“You will need a backup batter and keeper. You also need an opener and a middle-order batter. Only one guy does that job. That's Ishan Kishan. Currently, Ishan Kishan is ahead of everyone else in that race. He is No. 1 in that ranking. He is one guy who fits every single bill,” he said.
“There are two or three other names here. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is an out-and-out opener, but will you sacrifice something else for an opener? Ruturaj Gaikwad, once again a middle-order batter and an opener, but the wicketkeeper option is still vacant. So Ishan Kishan automatically ticks all the boxes,” Chopra observed.
