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Ishan Kishan Replaces Yashasvi Jaiswal in India’s ODI Squad for 2027 World Cup Build-Up

Devansh Cox · · 4 min read
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India Unveils New-Look ODI Squad With Eye on 2027 World Cup

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a series of bold and strategic changes to the national ODI squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan. One of the most talked-about decisions: Ishan Kishan returns to the 50-over setup, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal—a shift signaling India’s intensified focus on building a balanced, future-ready team for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

With several senior players managed carefully and consistent performers rewarded, the selectors are clearly prioritizing long-term planning over short-term convenience. The new squad reflects a deliberate effort to test emerging talent while maintaining core stability around stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill.

Key Changes From New Zealand to Afghanistan Series

  • Ishan Kishan in, Yashasvi Jaiswal out
  • Prince Yadav in, Harshit Rana out
  • Harsh Dubey in, Ravindra Jadeja out
  • Gurnoor Brar in, Mohammed Siraj out

Ishan Kishan’s Return Boosts Balance and Flexibility

Ishan Kishan’s re-entry into the ODI squad is more than just a form pick—it’s a strategic upgrade. After a stellar domestic season with Jharkhand, where he led them to their first-ever SMAT title and finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, Kishan carried that aggression into the T20 World Cup.

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There, he amassed 317 runs in nine innings at a blistering strike rate of nearly 193, finishing as the competition’s fourth-highest run-scorer. His explosive form continued in IPL 2026, where he played several match-defining cameos.

More than just a destructive opener, Kishan adds value behind the stumps, offering India crucial wicketkeeping depth and flexibility. His dual role allows the team to field an extra bowler or all-rounder, a tactical advantage the management is eager to explore ahead of the World Cup.

On the other hand, Yashasvi Jaiswal—once seen as a key backup opener—misses out despite decent returns in the South Africa series. The decision underscores that current form and versatility are outweighing past potential in the selection room.

Young Pacers Get Long-Awaited Breaks

One of the most exciting inclusions is Prince Yadav, the young pacer from Lucknow Super Giants, who earns his maiden India call-up after a breakout IPL 2026 season. Picking up 16 wickets in 13 matches, Yadav combined aggression with control, complemented by an impressive 18 wickets in eight VHT 2025-26 innings at an economy of 5.17.

Unfortunately, Harshit Rana misses out due to a lingering ligament injury sustained before the T20 World Cup, which also ruled him out of IPL 2026. While still in the plans for the future, his absence opens the door for Prince to stake his claim with raw pace and bounce.

Likewise, Gurnoor Brar comes in for Mohammed Siraj, who managed only three wickets in the New Zealand series. The towering Brar hasn’t yet broken through in the IPL but has impressed in domestic circuits and India A fixtures, particularly against Australia A. His raw pace and ability to extract bounce caught selectorial attention.

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Harsh Dubey In, Jadeja Rested for Rotation

Young all-rounder Harsh Dubey of Vidarbha receives his first national call-up after a phenomenal run across formats. In Ranji Trophy 2024-25, he took a staggering 69 wickets and helped his team lift the title. He followed it up by captaining Vidarbha to their maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy victory.

His consistency at the domestic level, coupled with strong performances for India A, earned him this opportunity. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja has been rested—a standard rotation move—but one that emphasizes India’s intent to experiment and assess alternatives well ahead of 2027.

Looking Ahead: Building for 2027

These changes aren’t just about one series. They’re part of a broader, long-term vision. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, India’s selectors are proactively testing combinations, rewarding form across domestic and franchise cricket, and building depth across departments.

Players like Kishan, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey aren’t just fill-ins—they’re potential cornerstones of the future. The Afghanistan series may not carry heavy stakes, but for these emerging talents, it’s a golden chance to make their mark on the international stage.

One thing is clear: India’s ODI evolution is underway. And it’s happening faster than many expected.

Devansh Cox

Devansh Cox is the chief cricket writer for Dawn, Pakistan's leading English-language daily, where he covers the national team, the Pakistan Super League, and the socio-political undercurrents of the sport. With a family heritage tracing back to the British Raj and strong ties to the UK, Cox brings a unique cross-cultural lens to his reporting, often examining the experiences of South Asian cricketers in English county circuits. A Karachi native, he is known for his technical analysis of fast bowling and his deep access to team insiders. His work has been cited by the ICC and the BBC, and he is a regular guest on Test Match Special’s Pakistan coverage.

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