Ravichandran Ashwin’s India World Cup 2027 Squad Sparks Debate: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns, But Rishabh Pant And Sanju Samson Miss Out…

The race to secure a place in India’s squad for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 is already gathering momentum, and former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his vision of what the ideal team should look like. His selection has generated plenty of discussion, combining trusted veterans with current performers while leaving out some of India’s biggest limited-overs names.

One of the biggest talking points from Ashwin’s preferred squad is the inclusion of experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has not represented India in One-Day Internationals since 2022. Despite his absence from the format, Ashwin believes the veteran seamer still has an important role to play, especially considering the conditions expected in South Africa, where the 2027 World Cup will be held.

Ashwin Continues To Trust India’s Senior Core

Ashwin has shown faith in India’s experienced campaigners by retaining Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, believing their experience could once again prove invaluable on the biggest stage.

The former off-spinner also backed Shubman Gill to continue leading the side, with Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan strengthening the batting department. According to Ashwin, this combination offers both stability and flexibility in the middle order.

The all-round department remains balanced with Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, while Kuldeep Yadav is his preferred frontline spinner.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Return Headlines The Squad

Perhaps Ashwin’s boldest selection is the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Although the swing specialist has been away from India’s ODI setup for several years, Ashwin believes his experience and ability to exploit helpful conditions could become a major advantage during the World Cup.

The former spinner suggested that India’s management should prepare Bhuvneshwar well in advance by giving him opportunities across domestic cricket, including the Vijay Hazare Trophy and first-class tournaments, before the marquee event.

Bhuvneshwar has also remained a consistent performer in the Indian Premier League, where he played a crucial role during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s recent title-winning campaigns, reinforcing Ashwin’s belief that the veteran still has plenty to offer.

Strong Pace Attack And Reliable Spin Combination

Ashwin’s bowling attack revolves around proven match-winners.

Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace unit alongside Mohammed Siraj and the promising Harshit Rana, while Kuldeep Yadav remains the primary spin option.

The combination reflects Ashwin’s preference for experience mixed with youth, ensuring India has enough variety for different conditions.

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Several Players Still In Contention

While naming his preferred squad, Ashwin also acknowledged that several cricketers remain firmly in the selection race.

His watchlist includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna.

According to Ashwin, performances over the next ODI cycle could significantly alter the final composition of India’s World Cup squad.

Big Omissions Raise Eyebrows

Ashwin’s selections also came with several high-profile exclusions.

Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Abhishek Sharma, and rising youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi did not find a place in his preferred squad despite being regular names in recent discussions surrounding India’s future.

Other players missing from the list include Ravi Bishnoi, Shivam Dube, Prince Yadav, and Gurnoor Brar.

With more than a year remaining before the World Cup begins, India’s selection battle is expected to become even more competitive. Consistent performances, fitness, and form across bilateral series and domestic tournaments will likely determine who eventually boards the flight to South Africa.

Ashwin’s Preferred India Squad For ODI World Cup 2027

• Rohit Sharma
• Shubman Gill (Captain)
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul
• Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
• Hardik Pandya
• Axar Patel
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Mohammed Siraj
• Harshit Rana
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Players Under Consideration: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna.