India’s ODI plans will come under scrutiny when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee meets to pick the squad for the three-match series against West Indies, beginning September 27. With the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia just over a year away, the selectors face several important decisions, particularly over Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya.
Rohit’s future remains one of the biggest talking points. The former India captain has made it clear that he wants to play in the 2027 World Cup, but uncertainty continues to surround his place in the ODI setup. During India’s England tour in July, reports suggested that selectors were considering moving on from him. The BCCI later rejected those reports and maintained that Rohit remained part of India’s ODI plans.
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His recent performances have added another layer to the discussion. Rohit scored 26 off 47 balls in the second ODI against England in Cardiff and had earlier made 16, 48 and 79 against Afghanistan. However, he responded with a century in his most recent ODI innings at Lord’s, keeping the debate around his future alive.
Hardik Pandya presents another selection dilemma. India’s premier seam-bowling allrounder has not played competitive cricket since the 2026 IPL because of a series of injuries. He was selected for the Afghanistan ODIs but suffered a leg injury before the series. Earlier, he had missed four IPL matches for Mumbai Indians because of back spasms.
Hardik is expected to undergo a fitness test next week. Even if cleared, the selectors could be cautious about rushing him back, given his importance to India’s balance in the 50-over format. His likely comeback could instead come during India A’s one-day matches against Australia A in Puducherry from October 6. The selectors are also understood to want him to prioritise the 50-over format with the 2027 World Cup in mind.
India’s shortage of allrounder options could make the decision more complicated. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar are part of the Asian Games squad, while Harsh Dubey and Shahbaz Ahmed are injured. That could bring Ravindra Jadeja back into consideration despite his limited ODI appearances over the past year. Krunal Pandya is another possible option after playing a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s recent IPL success.
The backup wicketkeeper position is another area to watch. KL Rahul is expected to remain the first choice, while Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel could compete for the second spot. Pant has not played an ODI for more than two years, whereas Jurel is yet to make his debut in the format. Jurel’s unbeaten 115 in Sri Lanka, however, has strengthened his case.
The selectors could also make important calls in the spin department. Kuldeep Yadav is in line for a prominent role after taking 10 wickets in a County Championship match for Yorkshire. Yuzvendra Chahal could also return to the ODI setup after an impressive run in England, where he has been among the leading wicket-takers.
The West Indies series could therefore provide significant clues about India’s plans for the next World Cup cycle, particularly regarding experienced stars and the players expected to form the core of the 2027 squad.
