As India begins preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, all eyes will be on the team’s squad selections and the players looking to secure their places for the future. The journey starts with a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, beginning on Saturday in Dharamsala. Although India and Afghanistan have faced each other several times in major international tournaments, this will be the first bilateral ODI series between the two nations.
Led by Shubman Gill, India will use the series as an opportunity to build a balanced squad for the next World Cup, which will be held in Africa. However, the team will be without two important players. Star batter Virat Kohli is unavailable due to a hamstring injury, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya is sidelined with a quadriceps strain.
Their absence creates opportunities for several players to impress the selectors and strengthen their chances of being part of India’s long-term ODI plans. One of the players under particular focus is Ishan Kishan, whose last ODI appearance came during the 2023 ODI World Cup, coincidentally against Afghanistan.
Ishan Kishan is expected to play a key role in the series as he looks to establish himself as India’s backup wicketkeeper-batter behind KL Rahul. While the selectors currently appear to have confidence in Ishan Kishan, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes there is another player who deserves serious consideration.
According to Irfan Pathan, KL Rahul remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in the ODI format. He highlighted Rahul’s ability to bat in different positions, particularly in the middle order, where he has delivered consistently for the team. Irfan Pathan also supported the selectors’ decision to back Ishan Kishan as the reserve option, pointing to his ability to bat higher in the order and handle short-pitched bowling effectively.
At the same time, Irfan Pathan feels Sanju Samson should remain the next player in line. He noted that Sanju Samson has generally performed whenever opportunities have come his way and believes his contributions should not be overlooked in discussions about India’s wicketkeeping options.
While KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson are all part of the conversation, another notable name has slipped down the pecking order in white-ball cricket. Rishabh Pant, once considered a future all-format regular for India, has recently found himself largely limited to Test cricket and was not included in the squad for Afghanistan ODI series.
It has been nearly two years since Rishabh Pant last featured in an ODI, raising questions about his place in India’s plans for the format. However, Irfan Pathan believes the selectors should not completely move on from the 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter.
The former cricketer pointed to Ishan Kishan’s journey as an example Rishabh Pant can learn from. Ishan Kishan had also found himself out of the national setup for a period but responded by performing strongly in domestic cricket. His efforts eventually earned him another opportunity, including leading Jharkhand to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as captain.
Irfan Pathan suggested that Rishabh Pant should follow a similar approach by continuing to work hard, focusing on performances and staying ready for future opportunities. He believes there is still room for a comeback in white-ball cricket if Rishabh Pant remains patient and committed.
Despite not being part of the current playing plans, Rishabh Pant has not completely disappeared from the selectors’ radar. He was included in several ODI squads, including India’s Champions Trophy squad last year, although he did not play a match. Earlier this year, he was also selected for the ODI series against New Zealand but an injury suffered during a net session prevented him from participating.
As India begins a new ODI cycle ahead of the 2027 World Cup, the competition for places is expected to intensify. For players like Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant, every opportunity and every performance could play a major role in determining who ultimately makes the journey to cricket’s biggest tournament.
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