New Delhi: India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup are beginning to take shape, with Tilak Varma emerging as a leading candidate to provide depth in the middle order and serve as a potential backup for Shreyas Iyer.
The team management is reportedly assessing different combinations as injuries continue to affect all rounders Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Their fitness concerns have created a challenge for India in maintaining the right balance between batting and bowling.
Tilak’s ability to contribute with the ball has strengthened his case. The left hander could offer an additional four overs in one day cricket, reducing the workload on India’s specialist bowlers while adding flexibility to the playing XI.
The management is also looking beyond immediate requirements and preparing for the conditions expected at the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. Questions remain over the long term availability and fitness of several senior players, making younger alternatives increasingly important.
Shreyas Iyer remains an important part of India’s ODI plans, but his recent injury history and performances against pace and bounce are factors being monitored. India also have several experienced players who will be well into their 30s by the time the World Cup begins, while Ravindra Jadeja’s place in the squad is not considered certain.
With fielding and overall fitness also receiving attention, the team management wants dependable younger players ready to step in when required.
India’s upcoming ODI assignments will provide opportunities to test these combinations. The team is scheduled to face the West Indies in a three match series beginning September 27 before travelling to New Zealand for a five match ODI series in October.
The New Zealand tour is expected to become an important stage in India’s World Cup planning, with players such as Tilak potentially getting opportunities to establish themselves in the long term ODI setup.
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