Speculation over India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup has already begun, despite the tournament still being more than a year away. Former India batter Robin Uthappa has joined the discussion by naming his preferred 15-member squad for the global tournament, calling it a “bomb squad” capable of delivering a strong campaign.
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. India last won the prestigious tournament in 2011 on home soil, while their hopes of lifting the trophy again in 2023 were ended by Australia in the final.
Robin Uthappa believes India can benefit greatly from maintaining a settled group in the lead-up to the World Cup. According to the former batter, giving the same 15 players consistent opportunities over the next 12 months could provide the team with ideal preparation for the tournament. “So this is my World Cup team for 2027 in South Africa. Granted, we have a year to go, but I think if these 15 plays over the next one year, it will be perfect prep. And this, I feel, is like a bomb squad,” Uthappa said in a video shared on Instagram.
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Uthappa’s squad features a blend of experience, youth and versatility. His opening options include Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is yet to make his ODI debut. Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are among his preferred middle-order batters.
Sanju Samson also finds a place in the squad, primarily as a backup wicketkeeper. However, Robin Uthappa believes Samson offers much more than just cover behind the stumps. His ability to bat at different positions and play the role of a finisher makes him a valuable option. “Sanju – he comes up as a backup wicketkeeper who can play a finisher role, also can play opener as well. He’s got the versatility, which is why I’m going for Sanju,” Uthappa explained.
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The all-rounder and spin departments feature Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Uthappa feels this combination provides India with different types of spin options, with Kuldeep offering a contrasting threat alongside the left-arm spinners. “You have spin that goes away, spin that comes in, covered,” he said.
For the pace attack, Uthappa selected Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Arshdeep Singh. The inclusion of Bhuvneshwar is particularly interesting, given that the experienced seamer has not played an ODI for India since January 2022.
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Robin Uthappa ultimately believes that continuity will be crucial if India are to build a formidable unit before the 2027 World Cup. “I think with this squad, if you play over the next one year, it will be perfect prep for a gun 2027 ODI World Cup,” he concluded.
Robin Uthappa’s 15-man India squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh.
