Ravichandran Ashwin Questions India's Strategy for ICC Cricket World Cup 2027

Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his concerns regarding India's preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, comparing the current coaching strategy under Gautam Gambhir to that of Rahul Dravid. He emphasizes the importance of continuity in coaching and strategic planning, particularly after India's recent performance in the 2023 World Cup. Ashwin advocates for a structured approach to grooming both players and coaching staff to ensure success in future tournaments. With only 14 months left until the next World Cup, India's recent struggles in ODI cricket raise questions about their readiness for the challenge ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 21, 2026, 21:47 IST

Ashwin's Concerns Over Future Planning

Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his confusion regarding India's preparations for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, drawing comparisons between the current head coach Gautam Gambhir and his predecessor Rahul Dravid. The 2011 World Cup champion emphasized that India's remarkable performance in the 2023 tournament was largely due to the strong support and security provided to the players. Ashwin praised Dravid's strategic approach for the event and suggested that a similar methodology should have been adopted following India's defeat in the 2023 final.

He advocated for the development of the coaching staff and a seamless transition rather than a sudden overhaul. "I have mentioned this repeatedly. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, planning should have started right after the 2023 World Cup concluded. We need to identify the right combinations and specialists for the 50-over format. If the workload is high, we must manage it effectively to preserve players for ODIs. All these strategies should have been in place. Who was the coach during the 2023 World Cup? Rahul bhai. He should have been formulating plans for 2027. If he intends to step down by 2024-25, that planning should be documented," Ashwin stated in a video on his YouTube channel.

He further elaborated on the need for continuity in coaching, suggesting that alongside the current coach, there should be both a young and an experienced coach to ensure a smooth transition leading up to the World Cup. Ashwin highlighted the importance of preparing the coaching staff well in advance, stating that ten months prior to the 2027 World Cup, new coaches should be integrated into the system.

Ashwin also commended the collaboration between Dravid and Laxman, the chief of the Centre of Excellence (COE), who steps in when the head coach is unavailable. He noted that Laxman is meticulous in his planning for events. "The way players are groomed should reflect in the coaching staff as well. Different teams, such as Under-19 and Indian A, require distinct coaching approaches. The coaching setup for Indian A differs significantly from that of the main team. Rahul was managing a heavy workload, while Laxman was preparing for tours like Zimbabwe well in advance," Ashwin remarked.

When reminded of the criticism Dravid faced during his coaching tenure, Ashwin humorously recalled his own experience leading the team in a warm-up match. He defended Dravid's planning, asserting that players would attest to the stability he provided during his time. "I captained India A in a practice match in the West Indies, and we executed our plans effectively against players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While Dravid faced criticism, it cannot be said that he lacked planning. He supported players like Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill, and his decisions were well thought out," Ashwin concluded.

As India prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup, they currently face challenges in the ODI format, having lost three out of five series since their victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy.