India head coach Gautam Gambhir is focused on having a fully fit squad for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. The tournament is just over a year away and will be played in South Africa. Gambhir said you cannot go into a World Cup half-cooked.
He spoke about the importance of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. He said both players will be extremely important for India in South Africa. Hardik has not been part of the ODI squad since the 2025 Champions Trophy. He also missed the previous 50-over World Cup because of injury. He is set to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies. However, he is expected to return to the India A side for their one-day series against Australia in Puducherry.
Gambhir praised Hardik’s value to the team. He said very few teams have players like him who can bowl ten overs and also score runs at number six or seven with real impact. But Gambhir also stressed that Hardik needs game time. He has not played a lot of cricket since the IPL. If India want to play him in the 50-over format, he might be short of match practice. Gambhir said players must have enough game time and good rhythm before the World Cup. There are no ifs and buts at a World Cup. There are no chances to make mistakes.
Gambhir said the same applies to Jasprit Bumrah. The team must decide how much one-day cricket he can play. Test cricket is also equally important. So it will be critical to figure out the ideal workload and game time for him.
India Begin World Cup Build-Up Without Two Key Players
The 2027 ODI World Cup is still a year away, but every series from now on matters. India start their preparations with a three-match ODI series against West Indies. The first game is in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
India will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Bumrah is a once-in-a-generation fast bowler. Hardik is the all-rounder who balances the team. Both are missing, which leaves the bowling attack looking a bit thin. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has only recently returned to full fitness, may have to bowl his full 10 overs. Opponents might see that as a chance to score heavily.
For the West Indies, the road to the World Cup is longer. They have to go through the Qualifier for the third time in a row. They have not won a bilateral ODI series against India since 2006. In India, they have not won one since 2002.
Virat Kohli needs 59 runs to reach 15,000 ODI runs. He averages 66.50 against the West Indies. So there is a good chance he will get there in this match. For the West Indies, Alzarri Joseph is one to watch. He had a public falling out with coach Daren Sammy earlier this year. The issue was Joseph not playing the two Tests against Pakistan. Now Joseph is back in the team as a CPL champion. Sammy mentioned him at the start of the series. Joseph said he is a professional and will go to work. He said he represents West Indies, not Daren Sammy. So their relationship is neither here nor there.
India captain Shubman Gill is fit to play. He took a blow to the elbow in the nets but has recovered. Several first-choice players are at the Asian Games with the T20I side. That includes Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel. This creates a balance problem for India. If they think Reddy can bowl 10 overs, they might play an extra batter. That could give Naman Dhir a debut in the middle order.
For West Indies, Sherfane Rutherford will miss the first ODI for personal reasons. He should return for the second match. John Campbell comes back at the top of the order after surgery. Justin Greaves might partner him. Shamar Joseph has played nine ODIs since his debut in 2024. He has finished his 10-over quota only once. It is unclear if he will play.
The Greenfield International Stadium has hosted two ODIs before. The ground has the third-best bowling average for seamers in India. West Indies were bowled out for 104 here in 2018. Ravindra Jadeja took four wickets that day. Rain is not expected in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
FAQs
Q. Why are Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah important for India?
A. Both are key players for India’s 2027 World Cup plans.
Q. When did Hardik last play an ODI for India?
A. Hardik last played in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Q. Why does Hardik need more game time?
A. Hardik has not played much cricket since the IPL.
Q. How many ODI runs does Virat Kohli need for 15,000?
A. Kohli needs 59 more runs.
Q. Where will India play the first ODI against West Indies?
A. The match will be played in Thiruvananthapuram.
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