Published: June 12, 2026 at 6:15 pm
India take on Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series, which offers the hosts an opportunity to assess their squad depth and identify players who could play a key role in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
Speaking on JioStar’s Follow the Blues, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared his thoughts on India’s squad depth, the role of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and the wicketkeeping options available to the team.
Irfan Pathan outlined India’s squad planning with an eye on the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
“Gurnoor Brar has been selected because the Indian management wants a bowler who can exploit the pace and bounce expected on South African pitches in the 2027 World Cup. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, he gets natural extra bounce. That will be a big advantage in those conditions,” Pathan said.
Ishan Kishan plays the short ball well, scores square of the wicket, and can serve as a backup opener, a backup at number three behind Virat, and a backup wicketkeeper. Pics: BCCI
“Along with good bowlers, you also need batters who can handle bounce. Ishan Kishan fits that role perfectly. He plays the short ball well, scores square of the wicket, and can serve as a backup opener, a backup at number three behind Virat, and a backup wicketkeeper. I will be watching how many all-rounders get opportunities because fast-bowling all-rounders will be crucial in South Africa. Hence, I want to see Nitish Kumar Reddy get chances. Shivam Dube has done well in T20Is, and now is the time to bring him into ODIs as well. They need as many opportunities as possible in the lead-up to the World Cup,” he added.
On why veteran players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be crucial for India’s chances, Pathan said: “Rohit Sharma’s biggest strength is his ability to handle short-pitched bowling. He has exceptional timing and gets into position early. In South Africa, where bowlers get both swing and extra bounce, Rohit is the ideal batter to punish anything short.
“Coming to Virat Kohli, he brings immense experience to the middle order. In ODIs, no one does it better than him. Batting at number three, his records speak for themselves. If India lose an early wicket, he is the man to rebuild the innings. He loves batting long, and when it comes to chasing, he is the best in the world. India will need both these qualities of Rohit and Virat if they are to win the World Cup in South Africa,” the former left-arm seamer said.
Rahul is no.1 wicketkeeper for India
On India’s wicketkeeping options, he said: “KL Rahul is India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs. He has done well at numbers five and six. He is versatile. As a backup, the selectors have brought in Ishan Kishan. Ishan can bat higher up the order and plays the short ball well square of the wicket. That is a smart selection.
Now, about Rishabh Pant, my suggestion to the selectors is not to completely ignore him, says Irfan Pathan
“So, Rahul and Ishan are the two wicketkeeper-batters right now. The third in line should be Sanju Samson. Whenever he has got a chance, he has delivered. We saw that in the T20 World Cup. Sanju now plays with maturity and handles pressure well. He can be tried at number five,” he added.
Pathan also asked the selectors and the Indian team management not to overlook Rishabh Pant. “Now, about Rishabh Pant, my suggestion to the selectors is not to completely ignore him. Yes, he has fallen behind in white-ball cricket. His form has not been great. But look at Ishan Kishan. He was out of the team too, but he used that as motivation. He played domestic cricket, performed well, and led Jharkhand to a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win as captain. Rishabh should take inspiration from Ishan and keep working hard. He should not lose hope of making a comeback in white-ball cricket,” Pathan said.
