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Former Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath has revealed his early picks for India’s squad for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027. With the tournament scheduled to begin in October next year, the former batter has already predicted the players who could make the cut.
S Badrinath has named several big names, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He has also picked Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and KL Rahul, while Hardik Pandya has been included subject to his fitness.
Interestingly, the former CSK star has not picked Ravindra Jadeja in his squad. Earlier, Virat Kohli leaves himself out, picks 7 legends to build his ultimate ODI batter.
S Badrinath picks Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli in his squad for ICC ODI World Cup 2027
Subramaniam Badrinath picked the former Indian captain Rohit Sharma and current skipper Shubman Gill as the two openers. He also backed Gill to lead India in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
Rohit has continued to perform well in the ODI format, which was the main reason behind Badrinath's decision to include him. At number three, Badrinath has an easy pick, and he is none other than the batting legend Virat Kohli, who is currently in sublime form.
The former CSK batter considers Kohli one of the best number three batters in world cricket and feels his place needs no explanation in the squad for the tournament.
Shreyas Iyer or Ruturaj Gaikwad? S Badrinath faces big No.4 dilemma
However, Badrinath had a tough task in picking a batter for the number four spot. The commentator named two possible options: T20I captain Shreyas Iyer and CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.
S Badrinath feels Iyer has a strong ability to play spin, which makes him an important option. However, he also feels Gaikwad could get the chance, keeping in mind the African conditions.
Interestingly, Badrinath did not make a final choice between Iyer and Gaikwad. Amid this, Asian Games 2026 cricket: India, Pakistan semi-final schedule, venues and live streaming.
S Badrinath backs KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav for India’s ICC ODI World Cup 2027 campaign
S Badrinath also picked KL Rahul at number five and as wicketkeeper-batter. He then picked Hardik Pandya as an all-round option, but only if the star all-rounder remains fully fit.
Jasprit Bumrah was another automatic selection for Badrinath at number seven. The Indian pace spearhead was followed by wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He said that the wrist-spinner will be really important in the South African conditions at the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
Badrinath did not reveal a complete 15-member squad or a final playing XI. He only named those players he believes should be part of India's plans for the prestigious event.
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India's ODI World Cup history
India are among the most successful ODI World Cup teams, winning the title twice in 1983 and 2011 and finishing runners-up in 2003 and 2023. Their journey began with early group-stage exits in 1975 and 1979, before Kapil Dev’s team created history in 1983.
India reached the semi-finals in 1987 and 1996, the Super Sixes in 1999, and the final in 2003. After a shock 2007 group-stage exit, India won the 2011 World Cup at home. They reached the semi-finals in 2015 and 2019, while their 2023 campaign ended in the final after 10 straight wins.
