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The Running Story · 3 updatesSep 24 — Sep 25 · Developing· 46 facts on record

Gautam Gambhir says Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah cannot enter World Cup half-cooked

India head coach Gautam Gambhir said Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah need sufficient game time ahead of the 2027 World Cup and cannot enter the tournament without being fully prepared. Pandya has not played since IPL 2026 due to a leg strain, while Bumrah missed the Test series against Sri Lanka with a knee issue.

Gambhir noted that few teams have an all-rounder like Pandya who can bowl ten overs and bat at number six or seven with impact. He said the focus is on giving Pandya T20 cricket first, then moving him to ODIs to build rhythm.

Gambhir added that managing Bumrah's workload across ODI and Test cricket will be critical, and the team must balance his participation to ensure he peaks for the World Cup.

The story so far
  1. Sep 24Gambhir urges match time for Hardik Pandya before 2027 World Cup

    Gambhir says Pandya cannot go into World Cup half-cooked.

  2. Sep 24Gambhir warns Pandya against half-cooked ODI return

    Gautam Gambhir urged Hardik Pandya to secure game time before any ODI return, stressing that rhythm ahead of the 2027 World Cup is more important than selection pressure.

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Gautam Gambhir says Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah cannot enter World Cup half-cooked · the running story · CricHubb