With a little over a year remaining until the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, discussions around India’s ideal combination for the marquee tournament have already begun. The Men in Blue recently continued their preparations with an impressive ODI series win over Afghanistan, including a commanding 170-run victory in the second ODI at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

As India continue to build towards the global event, several former cricketers have started sharing their views on the team’s strongest possible lineup. Joining that conversation is former India batter Manoj Tiwary, who has unveiled his preferred playing XI for the World Cup, featuring a few notable selections and omissions.

Manoj Tiwary backs a star-studded batting lineup

At the top of the order, Tiwary retained the experienced Rohit Sharma alongside Shubman Gill, who he also entrusted with the captaincy. The duo has formed one of India’s most successful opening partnerships in recent years and is expected to play a crucial role heading into the tournament. Virat Kohli occupies the No. 3 position, providing experience and stability in the batting lineup. One of the biggest talking points in Tiwary’s selection is the inclusion of Ishan Kishan at No. 4.

The left-handed batter gets the nod ahead of several contenders and is also entrusted with wicketkeeping duties. The middle order is further strengthened by Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, both of whom have consistently delivered in the ODI format. Their ability to handle pressure situations and construct innings makes them valuable assets in South African conditions.

Hardik Pandya key to team balance

Tiwary emphasized the importance of Hardik Pandya’s presence in the side, highlighting the balance he brings as a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder. However, he also acknowledged that fitness could be a deciding factor. The former cricketer suggested that Nitish Kumar Reddy could emerge as a potential replacement should Hardik be unavailable.

Nitish has impressed across formats in recent months and is increasingly viewed as a long-term all-round option for India. By including Hardik, Tiwary’s lineup gains additional batting depth while also allowing the team greater flexibility in managing the bowling workload.

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Pace-heavy bowling attack with Kuldeep as lone spinner

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Tiwary’s XI is his bowling combination. He opted for Kuldeep Yadav as the only specialist spinner, believing a wrist-spinner would be more effective on South African surfaces than finger spinners. The pace attack features Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.

While Bumrah remains India’s undisputed leader of the attack, both Arshdeep and Harshit have rapidly established themselves as important white-ball options. Notably, Mohammed Siraj misses out on Tiwary’s preferred XI despite being a regular member of India’s ODI setup in recent years. The former batter instead backed a three-pronged pace attack supported by Hardik and Kuldeep.

Manoj Tiwary’s India XI for ODI World Cup 2027: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.

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