Former India cricketer and 2011 World Cup winner Suresh Raina has advised Team India management to ready a reliable backup for the injury-prone Hardik Pandya before the 2027 World Cup begins in October 2027.
Pandya reportedly suffered an injury while gearing up for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. Before that, he had missed a few matches for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 due to back spasms.
Raina stated that long-term planning is the need of the hour when it comes to Hardik’s recurring fitness issues, and India needs to find or groom a reliable alternative.
“Hardik Pandya has had several injury setbacks, which is a concern. By the time the next ODI World Cup arrives, India must have a reliable backup for him," Raina said on JioHotStar.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is a strong contender, according to Raina, who highlighted the youthful all-rounder's quick progress with both bat and ball.
“His batting has become more solid. He bowled with good pace and control in the IPL, and his fitness has also held up well. The team management will need to manage his workload carefully and give him consistent opportunities," he said.
Additionally, he highlighted Rohit Sharma's and Virat Kohli's experience in high-pressure ICC competitions as a crucial asset for Gill and tipped them to play a significant part in India's World Cup campaign.
“Both are proven run-scorers in ICC World Cups. They have won ICC trophies and know how to handle pressure in knockout games. For Shubman Gill, captaining India in a World Cup, having Rohit and Virat alongside him will be a huge advantage," Raina said.
However, Shubman Gill was commended by former India captain Anil Kumble for effectively juggling leadership responsibilities with reliable performances at the crease.
Additionally, he stated that Gill gains from being around seasoned players like Rohit and Kohli, who can assist in making crucial judgments on the field.
“We have seen in the IPL that he has rotated his bowlers well, used his spinners at the right time, and handled pressure situations with clarity. His form with the bat has not dipped. They can guide him with field placements, bowling changes, and key tactical decisions. Shubman doesn’t have to carry the burden alone," Kumble said.
Furthermore, he also lauded the inclusion of young pacer Prince Yadav in India’s ODI squad for the Afghanistan series. He stated that Prince earned his opportunity through IPL and domestic cricket via impressive performances.
“His variety, cutters, slower balls, and yorkers make him an all-phase bowler," Kumble said.
