Hardik Pandya’s ongoing injury crisis has put BCCI selectors in a conundrum as they are trying to shortlist the best players for the Indian team for the ICC World Cup 2027. The tournament will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October 2 to November 21.
Pandya hasn’t played any cricket since IPL 2026, and his last ODI came in 2025. Since then, Pandya has suffered back spasms, quadriceps injury, missing the ODI series against Afghanistan, and now the West Indies. Today, we take a look at 3 players who can replace Hardik Pandya in the ODI World Cup 2027 squad.
Here are the 3 players who can replace Hardik Pandya in the ODI World Cup 2027 squad:
3. Harshit Rana
Harshit Rana himself has been rehabbing and recovering from a knee injury and weight-related issues since just before the T20 World Cup 2026. Harshit Rana was being groomed as an answer to India’s No. 8 problem as someone who could bat and also bowl. India needs depth in batting and some bowling backup as well, and Harshit Rana fits the bill.
2. Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube is known for his batting more than his bowling skills. He has 43 runs and 3 wickets in 6 ODIs, while he has made a huge name for himself in T20Is with 1171 runs and 40 wickets in the format. If Hardik Pandya is unable to play for India in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, Shivam Dube might get a look given that he has experience playing in ICC events and has performed well in pressure situations.
1. Nitish Kumar Reddy
The best option for India to replace Hardik Pandya in the squad for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 is Nitish Kumar Reddy. He has played 8 ODIs, scoring 103 runs with one fifty and 3 wickets thus far. Nitish, while being considered an alternate for Pandya, has not been given a long run in the ODI matches so that he can gain confidence. Nitish Reddy is the best option given that he bowls at a good speed and has shown in the IPL that he can hit the big shots needed in the death overs.
