Shubman Gill to be dropped for 2027 World Cup, Rohit Sharma to be reinstated as captain? Ravichandran Ashwin makes bombshell claim

While the 2027 ODI World Cup is still more than a year away, Team India's playing XI still looks far from being settled. The series loss in Australia and the unimpressive display in the ongoing series against South Africa have given the team-management a lot to think about.

After managing a close win in the first ODI, the Men in Blue failed to defend a 350-plus total in the second ODI. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future in doubt and Shubman Gill also struggling to do well consistently, even the top-order looks unsettled at the time being. The middle-order especially the lower order is looking even more fragile at present.

While only time will tell how things unfold in the upcoming months, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bombshell claim. Known for his straightforward and bold remark, the legendary spinner has indirectly hinted at dropping Gill from the ODI setup for the 2027 World Cup.

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Ravichandran Ashwin unimpressed with Shubman Gill:

Even though Gill is the ODI captain, Ravichandran Ashwin has said that the right-handed batsman could be a weak link in challenging batting conditions of South Africa. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said that Ruturaj Gaikwad could be a good option in the top-order for the World Cup.

The Tamil Nadu legend admitted that Gaikwad does have a problem against the moving ball but he can be a very good option if that threat is taken out. Ashwin also suggested a solution for the issue, saying that Virat Kohli could be promoted as an opener while Gaikwad could bat at number three. He also said that Shreyas Iyer is a sure-shot selection at number four, thus leaving out Gill from the top-order.

"Ruturaj Gaikwad is a fine player of pace bowling. He only has one issue, and that is with the moving ball, and there is a chance that you could get him out with swing bowling. However, he is a different player if the new ball threat is taken away," Ashwin told journalist Vimal Kumar.

"The 2027 World Cup will take place in South Africa, and if Shreyas Iyer comes back, then Virat could be pushed to the top-order alongside Rohit as Virat has the experience of opening in T20s, and in such a scenario, both Gaikwad and Iyer can play in top four," he added.

ashwin has dropped just another b0mb babyyyyyy🤣
idk if that was intentional or not but he is dropping gill for 2027 wc and wants roko to open to fit in rutu. only he can drop the captain😭 https://t.co/qgvhLmDwPW pic.twitter.com/1Dxz0fARd6

— Sneहाहाहा (@__Sn_e_ha__) December 4, 2025

Ruturaj Gaikwad capitalises on rare opportunity:

Ashwin's comments came after Gaikwad's impressive century against South Africa in the second ODI. With Iyer sidelined due to an injury, Gaikwad batted at number four and made the most of the rare opportunity. He not only scored a fine century but also impressed one and all with his strike-rate.

The right-handed batsman from Maharashtra scored 105 runs from just 83 balls with the help of 12 fours and 2 sixes. With form on his side, Gaikwad would be keen to impress with the bat in the third ODI as well.

Shubman Gill's impressive record in ODIs:

While Ashwin left out Gill from his top-order for the 2027 World Cup, one cannot deny the youngster's impressive record in the 50-over format. Gill has been one of India's best ODI batters in recent years. In 58 ODIs so far, he has hit 2802 runs at an average of almost 60.

Gill has also hit 8 centuries in ODIs. While the India captain has done well in this format, he has faced criticism for his failure to do well in challenging conditions. Gill would be hoping to turn things around and justify his place in the team especially after his promotion as the captain of the team.

Who will lead India in ODIs if Gill is dropped?

In case, Gill is dropped from the ODI setup for the World Cup, the team-management and the selectors will have to name a new captain. KL Rahul is currently leading the team and he could be a good option.

Another option could be reinstating Rohit Sharma. Earlier this year, he led India to glory in the Champions Trophy and if he remains a part of the team for the World Cup, he could very well be given back the captaincy.