Photo via Wisden

How can India fill the Hardik Pandya-shaped hole for ODI World Cup?

India faces a significant tactical dilemma regarding the fitness of Hardik Pandya ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. The all-rounder remains vital to the team's balance, as evidenced by India's perfect record in eight ODIs since June 2024 when he is included, compared to a lower win rate in his absence.

His versatility as a finisher and a ten-over bowling option has been central to recent tournament successes, including the 2025 Champions Trophy and consecutive T20 World Cup titles. With Pandya having not played an ODI since March 2025, selectors are exploring alternatives like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, and Suryansh Shedge to mitigate the risk of his potential unavailability.

Despite these trials, the team continues to struggle to replicate the specific impact he provides to the squad's structure.

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