Mohit Sharma and Manoj Tiwary, both former cricketers, have revealed their choices for Team India’s playing XI for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is set to take place in South Africa. With just over a year left until this significant event, India has begun its journey to the World Cup on a strong note by securing a home series victory over Afghanistan. This was marked by a commanding 170-run win at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow during the second ODI on Wednesday, June 17.
The two former players largely agreed on their selections, both opting to include Ishan Kishan in the middle order, which meant Axar Patel did not make the cut. A notable difference was seen in the bowling line-up. Both teams featured Harshit Rana, but Mohammed Siraj was absent from their selections.
Manoj Tiwary chose Kuldeep Yadav as his sole frontline spinner, while Mohit Sharma selected veteran Ravindra Jadeja for the spin bowling role.
“Hardik Pandya is in the side for me, but subject to fitness, if he is not there, then Nitish Kumar Reddy will come in his place. Also, I have kept Kuldeep Yadav because you need a wrist spinner, we don’t need a finger spinner on the South African pitches,” Manoj Tiwary noted.
Manoj Tiwary’s Team India Playing XI for ODI World Cup 2027:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (WK), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya*, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah
Mohit Sharma’s Team India Playing XI for ODI World Cup 2027:
Rohit Sharma/Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh
Team India has over 20 ODIs ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup to finalize their squad
With only five ODIs played this year, India is still in the early stages of forming its final team combination. As new talents continue to be introduced into the team, significant changes could occur before the World Cup kicks off in late 2027.
India’s upcoming ODI schedule includes the series finale against Afghanistan, followed by a tour of England in July. Afterward, India will host West Indies at home and then travel for an important five-match series against New Zealand later in the year.
Edited by Gokul Nair
