While there is still more than a year to go for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Team India’s playing eleven still looks far from being finalised. The series defeat in Australia and the ineffective performance in the ongoing series against South Africa have left the team-management with a lot to think about.
After achieving a close win in the first ODI, the Men in Blue failed to defend a score of over 350 in the second ODI. There are doubts over the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and with Shubman Gill also struggling to perform consistently, even the top order is looking shaky at the moment. The middle order, especially the lower order, is looking even more fragile at this time.
While only time will tell how things will unfold in the coming months, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bombshell claim. The legendary spinner, known for his direct and bold comments, has indirectly hinted at leaving Gill out of the ODI setup for the 2027 World Cup.
Also read: BCCI angry with selector Ajit Agarkar for not selecting Mohammed Siraj in ODIs
Ravichandran Ashwin unhappy with Shubman Gill:
Even though Gill is the ODI captain, Ravichandran Ashwin has said that the right-handed batsman could be a weak link in South Africa’s challenging batting conditions. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said that Ruturaj Gaikwad could be a good option at the top of the order for the World Cup.
The Tamil Nadu legend admitted that Gaikwad has problems against the moving ball but if that threat can be removed then he can be a very good option. Ashwin also suggested a solution to the issue and said that Virat Kohli can be promoted as an opener while Gaikwad can bat at number three. He also said that Shreyas Iyer’s selection at number four is certain, hence Gill has been kept out of the top order.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad is a good fast bowler. He has only one problem, and that is the moving ball, and there is a chance you can get him out with swing bowling. However, if the threat of the new ball goes away he is a different player.” Ashwin told journalist Vimal Kumar.
“The 2027 World Cup will be held in South Africa and if Shreyas Iyer comes back, Virat can be sent to the top order along with Rohit as Virat has the experience of opening in T20 and in such a situation, both Gaikwad and Iyer can play in the top four.” He added.
Ashwin just dropped another b0mb baby
Don’t know if it was intentional or not, but he is dropping Gill for the 2027 World Cup and wants the opening to fit in Roko Rutu. Only he can remove the captain https://t.co/qgvhLmDwPW pic.twitter.com/1Dxz0fARd6– Snehahaha (@__Sn_e_ha__) 4 December 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad took advantage of the rare opportunity:
This comment of Ashwin has come after Gaikwad’s brilliant century in the second ODI against South Africa. With Iyer out due to injury, Gaikwad batted at number four and made the most of the rare opportunity. He not only scored a brilliant century but also impressed everyone with his strike rate.
The right-handed batsman from Maharashtra scored 105 runs in just 83 balls with the help of 12 fours and 2 sixes. Looking at his form, Gaikwad will be eager to impress with the bat in the third ODI as well.
Shubman Gill’s great record in ODI:
Although Ashwin left Gill out of his top order for the 2027 World Cup, no one can deny the youngster’s impressive record in the 50-over format. Gill has been one of India’s best ODI batsmen in recent years. So far, he has scored 2802 runs in 58 ODI matches at an average of around 60.
Gill has also scored 8 centuries in ODIs. Although the India captain has performed well in this format, he has faced criticism for his failure to perform well in challenging conditions. Gill will be hoping to turn things around and justify his place in the team, especially after his promotion as team captain.
If Gill is dropped, who will lead India in ODIs?
If Gill is dropped from the ODI squad for the World Cup, the team management and selectors will have to name a new captain. KL Rahul is currently captaining the team and he can be a good option.
Another option could be to reinstate Rohit Sharma. Earlier this year, he led India to glory in the Champions Trophy and if he continues to be a part of the squad for the World Cup, he could be given back the captaincy.