Former India cricketer and coach WV Raman believes Hardik Pandya could be one of Team India’s most important players at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027—provided he can stay fit. While questions continue to surround the all-rounder’s fitness, Raman has no doubts about the impact Hardik can have on the side when fully available. Hardik’s latest injury setback has once again put his long-term availability under the spotlight.
The star all-rounder has been ruled out of both the recently concluded ODI series against Afghanistan and the upcoming ODI tour of England, dealing another blow to India’s plans ahead of a crucial build-up period for the 2027 World Cup. The 32-year-old was initially named in India’s squad for the Afghanistan ODI series and had even cleared an earlier fitness assessment. However, a persistent quadriceps issue resurfaced before the series, forcing him to withdraw at the last moment.
The setback came shortly after a challenging IPL 2026 campaign in which Hardik missed four matches due to severe back spasms. He also battled a leg strain during the season, further highlighting the fitness concerns that have repeatedly interrupted his career. Despite those issues, Raman remains convinced that a fully fit Hardik is one of the most valuable cricketers in the Indian setup. The former opener pointed out that very few players in world cricket can offer the balance that Hardik brings through his dual skills with bat and ball.
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“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 told PTI.
Hardik’s ability to contribute in multiple departments gives India greater flexibility in team selection. A fit Hardik not only strengthens the middle order with his power-hitting and finishing abilities but also allows the team management to field an extra batter or specialist bowler. That balance becomes particularly important in major ICC tournaments, where squad depth and versatility often make the difference.
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.
Raman, however, stressed… pic.twitter.com/cNxsVB1Znw
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Looking ahead, Raman stressed the importance of India’s preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. With a limited number of ODI matches remaining before the tournament, he believes the team management should use every bilateral series wisely to test combinations, identify backup options, and define player roles.
“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,” WV Raman explained.
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India’s ODI history includes World Cup triumphs in 1983 and 2011, but also heartbreaking defeats in the 2003 and 2023 finals. Raman feels the current white-ball side has consistently performed at a high level but has often fallen short during the most critical knockout moments.
According to him, India’s challenge is not a lack of talent but finding ways to deliver under pressure when it matters most. As preparations for the 2027 World Cup gather pace, managing Hardik Pandya’s fitness could prove to be one of the biggest factors in shaping India’s title ambitions.
