Former India opener Kris Srikkanth believes Mohammed Siraj should be part of India's squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. According to Srikkanth, the fast bowler's style is perfectly suited to South African pitches, where bowlers who can hit the deck hard are usually more effective.

Why Mohammed Siraj should be in ODI World Cup 2027 squad?

Siraj has played 50 ODIs for India and taken 76 wickets at an average of just over 25. However, he has not been a regular in India's white-ball plans over the past few years. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, he has played only nine ODIs and was also left out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Earlier this year, he featured in three ODIs against New Zealand and played one match during India's successful ICC T20 World Cup campaign. At the same time, pacers such as Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar have also been given opportunities in the limited-overs team.

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Speaking in a video released by Star Sports, Srikkanth strongly supported Siraj's selection.

"What I am saying is that he should be picked. Because in South African conditions, bowlers like Siraj--who hit the deck using their wrist like this--are exactly what is needed. If you just run in and bowl "softly" or try to swing it by pitching it up too much, you will get hammered in South Africa.

"So there, you need those "shoulder" bowlers, or the Jofra Archer-type of bowlers. That is the kind you should look for. Using the wrist is key. A whippy bowler! Coming in like that and hitting the deck with a "snap"--you can actually hear that sound,"

Srikkanth also said the 2027 ODI World Cup will be a huge moment for India's ODI captain Shubman Gill. Gill took over the leadership after Rohit Sharma stepped down following India's ICC Champions Trophy triumph.

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Srikkanth on Shubman Gill's captaincy

Srikkanth said winning the 50-over World Cup remains the biggest dream for every Indian cricket fan. While India has enjoyed success in T20 World Cups, he believes lifting the ODI World Cup carries a different level of importance. India's last 50-over World Cup title came in 2011, and Srikkanth feels Gill will have to shoulder a lot of responsibility in the upcoming tournament.

"Very important (2027 WC for Gill). Because in all fairness, he is a good captain and a good player. In One-Day Internationals, he is a fantastic player. Gill has been playing superbly. So, regarding this important responsibility--see, the most important thing, even if you look at it from an Indian point of view now, is that every Indian wants to win the World Cup. No matter how many T20 World Cups you might win, it is not the same as winning that "main" World Cup. That is the 50-over World Cup; that is the major World Cup, right? There is no thrill in life quite like winning that. So, I think for Shubman Gill, it is very, very important,"

Shubman Gill's record as ODI captain

Gill's record as India's ODI captain has been mixed so far. The team has suffered away series defeats against Australia and England, along with a home series loss to New Zealand. Despite those results, he has continued to impress with the bat.

In 12 ODIs as captain, Gill has scored 604 runs from 11 innings at an average of 67.11, including one century and five half-centuries. His form this year has been even better, with 561 runs in nine ODIs at an outstanding average of 93.50 and a strike rate of 110.65. He has also registered one century and five fifties, with a highest score of 154.


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