India's pace selection faces scrutiny ahead of 2027 World Cup
India have used ten pace options in 11 ODIs this year with injuries and role uncertainty mounting ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
India have used ten fast bowlers in 11 ODIs this calendar year, with injuries limiting the availability of key players including Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana and Jasprit Bumrah. The team has handed debuts to Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav and Auqib Nabi, but the lack of role clarity has raised concerns about preparation for the 2027 World Cup.
Mohammed Siraj has been in the squad for the West Indies series but has not played a game, creating uncertainty about his standing. Prasidh Krishna's hamstring injury has further complicated selection for the third ODI, with Anshul Kamboj called up as replacement.
The team management must settle on a core pace group that includes Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh and possibly Brar or Harshit Rana by October next year, while ensuring Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy remain fit for the tournament.
CricHubb Take
The volume of experimentation suggests the think-tank is still searching for the right balance rather than building a settled attack for South Africa in 2027.