S. Badrinath names early India core for 2027 ODI World Cup and omits Ravindra Jadeja

# What Badrinath picked and why

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath published his early view of players who should form India's plans for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. He named a partial core group rather than a full 15‑member squad or a final playing XI. His selections mix experienced international performers and role specialists he believes will matter in South African conditions.

# The core choices

Badrinath picked Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as the two openers, and backed Gill to lead India at the World Cup. He named Virat Kohli as his automatic number three, citing Kohli's current form and established status at that position.

At number five Badrinath chose KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper-batter. Jasprit Bumrah is an automatic selection in his view, slotting in as a frontline pace option. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav made his list because Badrinath expects a spinner of that style to be useful in South African conditions.

Hardik Pandya appears in Badrinath's group as a selected all‑round option but only if he is fully fit by the tournament.

# Unresolved slots and exclusions

Badrinath left the number four slot unresolved, presenting two viable options: Shreyas Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad. He pointed to Iyer's ability against spin as a strong case, but also noted that Gaikwad could be considered with the playing conditions in Africa in mind. Badrinath did not commit to one over the other.

# What he didn't name

Badrinath did not release a full 15-player squad or a final XI. His comments read as an early framework of players he believes should be part of India's World Cup planning, rather than an official or comprehensive selection.

# Context on World Cup venues and strategy

Badrinath singled out Kuldeep Yadav's wrist-spin as potentially valuable in South African conditions, indicating he is factoring likely pitch behaviour and match-ups into his short list. The piece frames his choices as preparatory thinking ahead of a tournament scheduled to start in October 2027 across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

# India's ODI World Cup background (as reported)

The article briefly recaps India's ODI World Cup record: India have won the tournament twice (1983 and 2011) and finished runners-up twice (2003 and 2023). It lists earlier tournament outcomes including semi-final and Super Six appearances through successive editions, noting their 2023 run ended in the final after 10 straight wins.

# Practical takeaway for readers

Badrinath's list is an early, opinion-based grouping of players he expects India should consider central to their World Cup plans. Expect further debates about the number four, Hardik Pandya's fitness, and the role of left‑arm or all‑round options as India finalizes a formal squad closer to the tournament.