The countdown to the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 has already begun, with the tournament set to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Cricket’s biggest 50-over event is expected to feature the world’s top teams battling for the coveted trophy across iconic venues in southern Africa. With preparations gradually taking shape, discussions around India’s ideal squad have gained momentum, and former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has now shared the 15 players he believes should represent the country at the global event.
Dinesh Karthik picks India’s squad for the ODI World Cup
Karthik has backed Shubman Gill to captain India at the 2027 World Cup while retaining senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the squad. The experienced duo, despite being in the latter stages of their careers, continue to be viewed as invaluable assets because of their consistency and vast experience in ICC tournaments.
The squad combines established match-winners with emerging talent. Gill, who has already taken over India’s ODI leadership, is entrusted with guiding the team into a new era, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy add youthful energy to the batting and all-round departments.
The middle order features experienced campaigners Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul alongside wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, offering flexibility depending on conditions. Hardik Pandya is expected to remain India’s primary pace-bowling all-rounder, while Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav provide spin variety. Karthik has also placed his faith in a seasoned pace attack comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The quartet offers a blend of pace, swing, experience, and proven success in major tournaments.
Dinesh Karthik’s 15-member India squad for ODI World Cup 2027
Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar
India eye another World Cup triumph under Shubman Gill
India will head into the 2027 World Cup determined to reclaim the ODI crown after narrowly missing out in the previous edition. The Men in Blue enjoyed a dominant campaign in the 2023 ODI World Cup, winning every match before the final, only to suffer defeat against Australia in the title clash.
Rohit Sharma captained the side brilliantly throughout the tournament, while Virat Kohli finished as India’s highest run-scorer and produced one of the finest batting campaigns in World Cup history. Although India fell short of lifting the trophy, the tournament reinforced the value of experienced players performing on the biggest stage.
Four years later, Gill is expected to lead India’s next generation while continuing to rely on the experience of Rohit and Kohli, who could be playing in their final ODI World Cup. Their presence would not only strengthen the batting unit but also provide leadership and composure during pressure situations.
India’s recent ICC success has further raised expectations. The team captured back-to-back T20 World Cup titles in 2024 under Rohit Sharma and 2026 under Suryakumar Yadav, reaffirming its status as one of world cricket’s strongest white-ball sides.
