# India 2027 ODI World Cup XI speculation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-2027-odi-world-cup-xi-speculation > Updated: 2026-08-07T18:23:02.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 4. Former opener Wasim Jaffer released a speculative 12‑player squad on 24 July, retaining captain Shubman Gill and veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, with Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav and Ishan Kishan as the twelfth‑man. Three days later, Jaffer posted the same lineup on YouTube while fellow former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin posted his own 12‑player selection. Ashwin’s list also kept Shami, added Bhuvneshwar Kumar and two Royal Challengers Bangalore players, but omitted veteran all‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The parallel proposals sparked debate in Indian cricket circles over the balance of experience, pace and batting depth, and highlighted the controversy surrounding exclusions of long‑serving players. On 7 August, former opener Shikhar Dhawan voiced support for retaining Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, calling them “legends” whose recent centuries and half‑centuries in the England series demonstrate their value. Dhawan’s endorsement added another perspective to the ongoing discussion about the optimal composition of India’s World Cup squad as selectors continue to weigh experience against form and fitness. By 7 August 2026, as preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia proceed, India has already secured qualification. Discussions regarding the squad have continued, with former pacer Zaheer Khan advocating for Mohammad Shami's inclusion. Despite previous injury concerns, Khan highlighted Shami's recent domestic form, including 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches, and noted his significant contribution to the 2023 World Cup as a reason for his potential value in the upcoming tournament. ## Claims - Shikhar Dhawan says Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be included in India's squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Rohit Sharma scored a century at Lord's in the final ODI of India's series against England. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Virat Kohli scored two half‑centuries in the same ODI series against England. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Shikhar Dhawan has known Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for about 16 years and they are 2‑3 years younger than him. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Dhawan believes the experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will help India win the 2027 World Cup. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Rohit Sharma is 39 years old and Virat Kohli is 37 years old. (single source) - The 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup will be co‑hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. (single source) - India lost the three‑match ODI series against England 2‑1. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-07: 2027 ODI World Cup qualification and Indian squad discussions As nine teams qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup, discussions surround India's squad selection, with calls for veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Shami to participate. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rohit-sharma-and-virat-kohli-backed-by-shikhar-dhawan-for-2027-odi-world-cup ### 2026-07-31: India's 2027 ODI World Cup squad solidifies with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli confirmed Jahir Abbas backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup, while Indian selectors lock in six core players including Shubman Gill as captain. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indias-2027-odi-world-cup-squad-solidifies-with-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-confirmed ### 2026-07-27: India's projected 2027 ODI World Cup playing XI unveiled by former cricketers Former India players Waseem Jaffer and Ravichandran Ashwin each disclosed a 12‑man squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, prompting debate over picks like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and the omission of Ravindra Jadej 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indias-projected-2027-odi-world-cup-playing-xi-unveiled-by-former-cricketers ### 2026-07-24: Wasim Jaffer proposes India’s 2027 ODI World Cup XI Former opener Wasim Jaffer named a 11‑player India squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, keeping captain Shubman Gill and veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and others, while dropping several England‑series players 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wasim-jaffer-proposes-indias-2027-odi-world-cup-xi --- Cite as: India 2027 ODI World Cup XI speculation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-2027-odi-world-cup-xi-speculation