Sourav Ganguly suggests Tilak Varma as Hardik Pandya replacement for 2027 World Cup

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said Tilak Varma could bat at number six for India if Hardik Pandya is unavailable for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ganguly noted that Nitish Kumar Reddy could replace Hardik but questioned whether the young all-rounder bowls with the new ball. He said Axar Patel would bat at number eight, followed by the three specialist pacers.

Ganguly stressed that India would need a genuine batter at number six and a seam-bowling all-rounder at number seven if Hardik misses the tournament. He added that Ravindra Jadeja remains a strong option at number seven but has not played many recent ODIs. Ganguly called Hardik, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj the three most important players for India's World Cup campaign.

Hardik has not played for India since the 2026 T20 World Cup and continues to deal with fitness issues ahead of the 2027 tournament.