All-rounder Hardik Pandya has made a full recovery. There is information about his possible return in the friendly series against Afghanistan, which will take place in five months. The main question facing Pandya is whether he can demonstrate his previous form in the one-day format.
Although the ODI World Cup in 2027 is still far away, the Indian team has already begun forming its core squad for this tournament, which will be held in Africa. This squad will be a combination of experienced veterans and new energetic players.
A strong all-rounder is crucial for any championship team. Therefore, analysts are trying to determine who could become India's best all-rounder at the 2027 World Cup, whom the team should bet on regardless.
If Hardik Pandya is ready to play in both T20 and ODI formats, he will be a priority choice for the Indian team. His pace and effective bounce on the fast and bouncy pitches of Africa can put significant pressure on opponents. He provides the team with a unique balance that no one else can replace.
Hardik last played in the 2025 World Cup final. Now, after a five-month break, he is preparing to return. However, the coaching staff needs to carefully monitor his workload to ensure he remains in peak condition by the time of the World Cup.
If for any reason Hardik Pandya cannot reach the fitness level required for the World Cup, Nitish Kumar Reddy could be the first replacement in the role of a fast-bowling all-rounder. Nevertheless, his health status has also been a concern recently. He was excluded from tours in Ireland and England due to a hip injury. Nitish has already played six ODI matches for India; if he maintains his physical fitness, he can secure a spot in the squad for the trip to Africa.
Washington Sundar is also under close scrutiny. Despite frequent injuries, he consistently plays as India's backup spin-bowling all-rounder. The main reason for this is India's lack of a reliable off-spinner. Furthermore, Sundar bats left-handed, allowing him to score runs quickly towards the end of an innings.
Regarding Sundar's bowling, he does not create much turn, but he masterfully uses his accurate length to trap batsmen. This is why he is very economical in ODI matches. In all 34 ODI matches, Sundar has scored 445 runs and taken 30 wickets. The return of experienced players like Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja to major tournaments like the World Cup seems unlikely.