Former India batsman Robin Uthappa has made his top 15 World Cup team selection for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which features some shocking names. The most significant factor is the presence of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whom Uthappa thinks might feature in India’s bid in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Uthappa called his proposed side a “bomb squad”, while excluding a number of the players who have been regulars in the Indian white-ball team in recent times.
Sooryavanshi was selected before Jaiswal.Sooryavanshi was chosen ahead of Jaiswal.
Uthappa kept the favourites like Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill in the batting line-up. He also took Rohit Sharma in the middle of the confusion that shrouded the veteran batsman’s ODI future.
But Yashasvi Jaiswal wasn’t named in Uthappa’s squad. Instead he chose young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals as the opening number two, which was arguably one of the most surprising names in his team for the World Cup.
Bhuvneswar Kumar stunned everyone by returning to the field.In a surprise, Bhuvneshwar Kumar came into the fray.
There’s another experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, too. The 35-year-old, who has not bowled for India in an ODI for almost five years, has impressed Uthappa with his form in recent times and could still be given a chance.
Bhuvneshwar has taken 28 wickets IPL and learning curve of his experience could be helpful in a big tournament. His pick leaves behind Harshit Rana, with Washington Sundar also being left out of the 15-man squad.
Samson Preferred Over Ishan Kishan
Uthappa has also supported Sanju Samson to replace Ishan Kishan as the backup wicketkeeper-batter for India. He believes that Samson is a versatile bat who can bat high in the order and is a capable hitter to finish the game.
In the squad, only hardik pandya is a fast bow all rounder. Uthappa has picked four frontline pacers rather than picking another player in that position to play as cover.
Bumrah leads Four-Man Pace Attack.
The pace bowling arm of Uthappa is made of Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh. The spin department has been provided with Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav which are well-balanced with experience and variety of pace.
Uthappa feels that the country should give them regular chances during the World Cup preparations. He believes that the group should play more often in the coming year as that will be a good preparation for the conditions in southern Africa.
Robin Uthappa’s 2027 World Cup Team.
Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh.
Uthappa’s pick is his own opinion and not the official World Cup team for India. The tournament is yet to be played out and performances, fitness and form will be the final deciding factors.
