As India begin planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup, former cricketer Suresh Raina believes the team management must focus on developing a reliable backup for Hardik Pandya. The star all-rounder remains one of India’s most valuable players in white-ball cricket, but his recurring injury concerns have once again sparked discussions about long-term squad planning. According to reports, Pandya recently suffered an injury while preparing for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

While the extent of the setback is still being assessed, Raina feels India cannot afford to be overly dependent on a player who has struggled with fitness issues throughout his career. Speaking on JioHotstar, Suresh Raina emphasized the importance of identifying and grooming an alternative well before the next World Cup arrives. “Hardik Pandya has had several injury setbacks, which is a concern. By the time the next ODI World Cup arrives, India must have a reliable backup for him,” Raina said.

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The former India batter believes Nitish Kumar Reddy could be the ideal candidate for that role. Raina praised the youngster’s rapid development, highlighting his improvement as both a batter and a bowler. “His batting has become more solid. He bowled with good pace and control in the IPL, and his fitness has also held up well,” Suresh Raina observed. “The team management will need to manage his workload carefully and give him consistent opportunities.”

Raina also underlined the importance of experience in major ICC events, backing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to remain key figures in India’s 2027 World Cup plans. He believes their presence will be invaluable for captain Shubman Gill, particularly in pressure situations.

“Both are proven run-scorers in ICC World Cups. They have won ICC trophies and know how to handle pressure in knockout games,” Suresh Raina said. “For Shubman Gill, captaining India in a World Cup, having Rohit and Virat alongside him will be a huge advantage.”

Meanwhile, former India captain Anil Kumble praised Gill’s leadership growth, pointing to his ability to balance captaincy responsibilities with strong batting performances.

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“We have seen in the IPL that he has rotated his bowlers well, used his spinners at the right time, and handled pressure situations with clarity,” Anil Kumble said. Kumble also welcomed the inclusion of young fast bowler Prince Yadav in India’s ODI squad, believing his skill set makes him an exciting prospect. “His variety, cutters, slower balls and yorkers make him an all-phase bowler,” Kumble noted, while stressing that young players should receive a sustained run to establish themselves at the international level.