BCCI Selectors Eyeing Players for 2027 ODI World Cup During IPL 2026
BCCI's Preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly compiled a list of around 20 potential players for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup. These players will be closely observed during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. As per reports, the BCCI has instructed its selectors to create a preliminary roster of athletes to monitor.
Selectors SS Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra, and Pragyan Ojha are set to attend various matches throughout the IPL, which kicks off on March 28 with a clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. An official mentioned, "The BCCI aims for each selector to watch at least one game weekly, covering five matches from the venue, while they can also keep track via television."
Currently, the selectors are not prioritizing team selection for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics or the T20 World Cup in the same year. They are also not focusing on identifying any breakout stars for the ODI World Cup.
Among the fast bowlers, the selectors will pay special attention to Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh, along with all-rounder Hardik Pandya. With Harshit Rana recovering from a knee injury, these four bowlers will be under scrutiny.
Despite the focus on the ODI World Cup, the selection committee will maintain its commitment to the Test team. India is scheduled to play a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur from June 6 to 10, which, although not part of the World Test Championship, is still significant. From August 2026 to March 2027, India will engage in nine Test matches, with all leading red-ball players, including Bumrah and Siraj, expected to participate unless they face any injuries during the IPL.
As a BCCI source stated, "The India Test cap isn't for experimentation. For that, you have India A shadow tours. Currently, Bumrah, Siraj, and Prasidh are the top three bowlers on the selectors' radar for Tests."