India are steadily building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, with fewer than 20 matches remaining before the tournament gets underway in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The ongoing West Indies series, featuring matches in Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati, is an important part of that preparation. With some regulars unavailable because of Asian Games commitments and injuries, the Indian team management has a chance to experiment with combinations while giving opportunities to players pushing for a place in the World Cup squad.

India’s spin coach Sairaj Bahutule explained the team’s approach on the eve of the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati on September 29. He said the current series is being used to assess players in different roles and understand which combinations could work best. “These series are a good opportunity for us to also see different types of combinations we can have in the team,” Bahutule said during the pre-match press conference.

He also explained India’s decision to hand Nitish Kumar Reddy the new ball. The all-rounder offers flexibility with both bat and ball, allowing the team to explore how he can contribute during different phases of an ODI.

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“We can definitely look at different bowlers who can bowl in different phases of the game. So that’s what the thought process was in giving Nitish the new ball. He is a good bowler and somebody who can bat as well.” Bahutule stressed that any changes during the series are being made with a clear purpose rather than simply for experimentation. India are particularly keen to identify their best options in the pace department before the 2027 World Cup. “When it comes to the fast bowlers, it will be important to see who would actually be the three fast bowlers, maybe a fourth seamer — an all-rounder. That is yet to be seen,” he added.

The coaching staff also wants to test young pacers in different situations. Gurnoor Brar, for instance, could be given opportunities with the new ball as India assess his suitability for different phases.

“Ample opportunities will be given to all the bowlers in different phases. So you might see Gurnoor (Brar) bowling with the new ball, things like that.”

Conditions in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will also influence India’s planning. Sairaj Bahutule indicated that the team will gradually focus on identifying a combination capable of adapting to those conditions. “Moving ahead is going to be again about the combination which is ideal for the conditions in South Africa. Most of the boxes are ticked.”

Alongside bowling combinations, India are continuing to work on their fielding. Sairaj Bahutule acknowledged that day-night matches can present additional challenges, particularly when dew arrives and affects visibility and grip.

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“Fielding is something which we constantly are trying to see how we can improve as much as possible. Because it’s not easy under lights, sometimes when the dew comes in, it is a challenge.” For now, India appear focused on using every available ODI to assess their options. With experience in the squad and several younger players competing for places, the coming matches could provide valuable clarity as preparations for the 2027 World Cup gather momentum.