Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has revealed his preferred five-member pace attack for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, triggering debate over some high-profile omissions. Rahane has backed Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj and Mayank Yadav to lead India’s fast-bowling unit at the tournament.
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 2 to November 21. Rahane’s selection leaves out several experienced and promising options, including Harshit Rana, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Gurnoor Brar.
The most eye-catching decision is Rahane’s inclusion of Mayank Yadav. Known for his exceptional pace, Yadav has clocked a career-best speed of 156.7 kmph, making him one of India’s fastest bowlers. However, he is yet to make his ODI debut and has played only 11 T20 Internationals. Selecting him ahead of established names is a bold call, particularly with a major global tournament in the picture.
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Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna have stronger recent credentials in India’s 50-over setup. Arshdeep has claimed 30 wickets in 18 ODIs while maintaining an economy rate below six. He has also established himself as India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 Internationals, with 148 wickets in 101 matches. Mohammed Siraj, meanwhile, remains part of Rahane’s plans despite experiencing periods in and out of the national team.
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Ajinkya Rahane faced the ultimate selection question of picking 5 fast bowlers for Indiaβs 2027 ODI World Cup squad ! π
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Harshit Rana’s omission is another major talking point. The young pacer has made a strong impression in ODI cricket, taking 26 wickets in 14 matches. His ability to contribute with the bat also adds value to the team, having already scored a half-century in the format. Rana made his international debut during the Perth Test against Australia in November 2024 and has since strengthened his case for a place in India’s plans.
Mohammed Shami’s absence is equally notable given his outstanding record at ODI World Cups. He remains India’s highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history, with 55 wickets at an average of 13.52. However, his last international appearance came during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, leaving questions about his place in India’s future plans.
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who returned to India’s T20I team on October 6, 2026, after a four-year absence, also misses out. Gurnoor Brar, another pacer who has featured regularly in India’s recent ODI squads, is absent from Rahane’s preferred five.
Rahane’s choices highlight the competition for India’s pace-bowling spots ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, with experience, recent form and raw speed all likely to influence the final selection.
