The 2023 ODI World Cup is well past now. India had a dominant run in the 50-over event.
And it seemed the Men in Blue would lift the World Cup. But everything came crashing down in the final after Australia routed them completely. The loss was one hard pill to swallow for the players and the fans.
Now, with the next mega ICC event scheduled for 2027 in South Africa and Zimbabwe, the focus has shifted to building a strong squad with a new captain at the helm.
In a big move, the BCCI has removed Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain. Young opener Shubman Gill has been officially named the new ODI skipper, starting with the Australia ODI series (October 2025). Rohit, however, continues to be part of the squad as a senior batter.
Captaincy & Current Form: Rohit, Gill, and Virat in Focus
- Ambati Rayudu’s View – He strongly felt Rohit Sharma should continue as ODI captain till 2027. He believed Rohit’s leadership and experience are unmatched in big ICC events.
- Virat Kohli’s Role – Rayudu also added that no one can replace Kohli at No. 3, stressing his importance in ODIs.
- Shubman Gill Captain – The selectors have officially handed over ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill. Rohit, despite a win rate of 75% in ODIs as captain, will now continue only as a senior batter.
Read more: Rohit Sharma Captaincy Record
Latest Update: Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli reminded everyone of their unmatched class in the 3rd ODI against Australia (Sydney, Oct 25, 2025).
Rohit scored a magnificent 121* (125) while Kohli remained unbeaten on 74* (81), leading India to a 9-wicket victory while chasing 237. Their 168-run stand ensured a clinical finish to the series. Despite losing the series 2-1, India ended on a high note — proving that Rohit and Kohli still have the hunger and form to feature strongly in Team India’s 2025–26 roadmap and the 2027 ODI World Cup plans.
The next edition isn’t too far away. So the Indian team needs to figure out the strongest possible playing XI with Gill leading the charge.
ICC ODI World Cup 2027 India Squad – Predicted Team
| S.No | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shubman Gill (C) | Captain, Opener |
| 2 | Rohit Sharma/Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batsman (Opener) |
| 3 | Virat Kohli* | Batsman (No. 3) |
| 4 | Shreyas Iyer (VC) | Batsman |
| 5 | KL Rahul (WK) | Wicketkeeper, Batsman |
| 6 | Rishabh Pant (WK) | Wicketkeeper, Batsman |
| 7 | Hardik Pandya | All-rounder |
| 8 | Axar Patel | All-rounder |
| 9 | Ravindra Jadeja* | All-rounder (if fit) |
| 10 | Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner |
| 11 | Varun Chakravarthy | Spinner |
| 12 | Jasprit Bumrah | Pacer |
| 13 | Arshdeep Singh | Pacer (Left-arm) |
| 14 | Mohammed Siraj | Pacer |
| 15 | Harshit Rana | Pacer (Bounce in SA) |
*Kohli & Jadeja’s inclusion will depend on fitness and BCCI’s final call in 2026.
Like to know? Shubman Gill Captaincy Record
Virat Kohli’s Future in 2027
- Backed by Gambhir – Head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly supports Kohli’s inclusion till 2027.
- BCCI Plans – Kohli remains in ODI plans, while Rohit’s captaincy era is officially over.
- Age Factor – By 2027, Kohli will be 39 years old. Experts like Sourav Ganguly warn fitness will be key with fewer ODIs ahead (~15 per year).
Openers: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma/Yashasvi Jaiswal
Rohit Sharma, who was India’s ODI captain till 2025, has been officially replaced. His presence in the 2027 World Cup looks unlikely due to age and team transition.
Read more: Rohit Sharma Sacked as ODI Captain, Shubman Gill to Lead India
So, Shubman Gill will lead and open the innings. The right-hander has cemented his place with consistent runs and leadership qualities.
If Rohit Sharma, does not play ODI World Cup 2027, then Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to partner Gill at the top. He is still new in ODIs but is seen as a long-term investment by the selectors.
Like to know?: Rohit Sharma Captaincy Record
Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel
The middle order will continue to revolve around experience. Kohli at No. 3 remains India’s backbone, supported by Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
Hardik Pandya will be crucial as an all-rounder, while Axar Patel offers balance with both bat and ball.
Also See: World Test Championship 2025-27 Points Table
Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana
Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin could be India’s trump card in South African conditions. Kuldeep Yadav also remains in contention.
Bumrah leads the pace unit, supported by left-armer Arshdeep Singh. Mohammed Siraj remains a vital strike option, while Harshit Rana’s bounce makes him effective in South Africa.
Conclusion
The 2027 ODI World Cup will mark the start of a new era. With Shubman Gill officially appointed as ODI captain, India is moving towards youth leadership. While legends like Rohit Sharma may not continue, Virat Kohli’s presence till 2027 is still on the cards. The blend of youth and experience gives India a golden chance to finally end the wait for another ICC trophy in ODIs.
