Suresh Raina’s Big 2027 World Cup Warning: Why India Must Find Hardik Pandya’s Backup Before It’s Too Late

As India begins laying the foundation for its campaign in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has delivered a strong message to the team management. While backing senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to remain central to India’s plans, Raina has also highlighted an area that requires urgent attention — finding a dependable backup for all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

The former World Cup winner believes India cannot afford to rely solely on Hardik heading into another major ICC tournament, considering the all-rounder’s recurring injury concerns over the past few years.

Raina Raises Concern Over Hardik Pandya’s Fitness

Speaking during JioStar’s cricket show, Raina pointed out that Hardik remains one of India’s most valuable players, but his injury record has become a significant concern.

Hardik has often been India’s balance-maker in white-ball cricket, contributing with both bat and ball. However, several injury setbacks have interrupted his international career at crucial stages. According to Raina, India should begin building alternatives well before the 2027 World Cup arrives.

The former left-hander stressed that successful teams always prepare backup options, especially for players whose workload and fitness need careful management.

India’s recent success in ICC tournaments has largely benefited from Hardik’s ability to contribute across departments. Losing such a player without a ready replacement could leave a major gap in the squad.

Nitish Kumar Reddy Emerges as a Potential Candidate

When discussing possible successors, Raina identified young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as a promising option.

The youngster has impressed selectors and fans with his performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League. Raina believes Reddy possesses the skill set required to evolve into a complete white-ball all-rounder.

According to the former batter, Reddy’s batting has become increasingly dependable, while his bowling has shown notable improvement in terms of pace, discipline, and control. More importantly, he has maintained fitness levels despite a demanding schedule.

Raina suggested that the team management should continue investing in Reddy’s development by managing his workload carefully and providing consistent opportunities at the international level.

With nearly two years remaining before the next ODI World Cup, India has enough time to test emerging players and identify a dependable backup plan.

Why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Still Matter

While much of the discussion around India’s future revolves around youth, Raina believes experience remains equally important.

He strongly backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to remain part of India’s World Cup setup, especially because of the leadership transition taking place under Shubman Gill.

Gill is expected to lead India into a new era, but captaining the national team at an ICC event brings immense pressure. Raina feels having two of India’s greatest modern-day cricketers alongside him could prove invaluable.

Both Rohit and Kohli have delivered consistently in ICC events over the last decade. They have experienced the highs of tournament victories and the heartbreak of knockout defeats, giving them a unique understanding of handling pressure situations.

Raina believes their presence would not only strengthen India’s batting lineup but also provide crucial tactical guidance during high-stakes matches.

Shubman Gill’s Leadership Journey Begins

Indian cricket is currently witnessing a gradual leadership shift. Shubman Gill has already established himself as one of the country’s premier batters and is increasingly being viewed as a long-term captaincy option.

However, leading India at a World Cup is a challenge unlike any other. Expectations from millions of fans, media scrutiny, and pressure-packed knockout encounters can test even the most experienced leaders.

This is where veterans such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could play a decisive role.

Their experience in reading match situations, managing pressure, and guiding younger teammates could significantly help Gill navigate his first ICC tournament as captain.

India’s Immediate ODI Challenge

Before turning their focus completely to the 2027 World Cup, India has an important ODI assignment ahead. The Men in Blue are preparing for a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, beginning on June 13.

The series will provide another opportunity for India to test bench strength and assess emerging players in international conditions.

However, the team will be without Virat Kohli, who has reportedly been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Hardik Pandya is also expected to miss the series, further highlighting the concerns raised by Raina regarding India’s dependence on the all-rounder.

Hardik’s most recent ODI appearance came during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand.

The Road to 2027

India’s preparation for the next World Cup will involve balancing experience with youth. While players like Shubman Gill, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and other emerging talents represent the future, seasoned campaigners such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to offer unmatched value.

Suresh Raina’s comments underline a challenge that many successful teams face — planning for the future without compromising the present.

As India moves closer to another World Cup cycle, finding the right successor to Hardik Pandya while leveraging the experience of Rohit and Kohli may ultimately determine how prepared the team is when cricket’s biggest ODI tournament arrives.