Former cricketers Mohit Sharma and Manoj Tiwari have revealed their preferred Indian playing XI for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. As discussions continue to grow about India’s ideal combination, both the former players favored several young talents while leaving out some established names from their selection.
Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, India performed strongly against Afghanistan in the ongoing ODI series. In the second ODI match played at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on 17 June, the host team won by 170 runs. They will play the third and final ODI on June 20 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Manoj Tiwari announces India’s playing XI for ODI World Cup 2027
Manoj Tiwary shared his team combination for the challenging conditions in South Africa. The former India batsman chose wrist spinner instead of finger spinner. He also suggested a backup option in the role of a seam-bowling all-rounder if fitness becomes an issue.
“Hardik Pandya is in the team in my place, but it depends on fitness. If he is not in the team, Nitish Kumar Reddy will come in his place. Also, I have kept Kuldeep Yadav because you need a wrist spinner. We don’t need a finger spinner on South African pitches.”
Manoj Tiwary left out spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel and strengthened the middle order by choosing Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper. He dropped fast bowler Mohammed Siraj from the starting lineup and included Harshit Rana in the pace attack.
Virat Kohli
Will Rohit Sharma be included in India’s World Cup XI@tiwarymanoj and @imohitsharma18 will make their picks #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/kA85wkqi64
– Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) June 20, 2026
Mohit Sharma announces India’s playing XI for ODI World Cup 2027
Mohit Sharma chose a similar core group but added more flexibility at the top of the order. He backed Yashasvi Jaiswal as the backup to Rohit Sharma. He retained Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul in the middle order.
Unlike Manoj Tiwary, Mohit chose Ravindra Jadeja as his only spinner and left out Kuldeep Yadav. He chose a fast bowling attack like Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
Both former cricketers agreed on some major mistakes. He left out Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj, while backing Harshit Rana to add pace and variety on South African pitches.
India have played only five ODIs this year and a number of young players are under evaluation as the management continues to test different combinations.
The team has more than 20 ODI matches scheduled over the next year to finalize its best squad. After the ongoing home series against Afghanistan, India will tour England in July to test the players in challenging overseas conditions.
After the England tour, India will host West Indies in a limited overs series at home. The preparations will conclude with a crucial five-match ODI series in New Zealand later in the year, which will help the team assess its bench strength.
Manoj Tiwari’s Team India’s playing XI for ODI World Cup 2027:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya*, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.
Mohit Sharma’s Team India’s playing XI for ODI World Cup 2027:
Rohit Sharma/Yashaswi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh
