Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has shared insights into India’s preparations for the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa. Pathan mentioned that selectors are already planning for the tournament by including players who can excel in conditions with pace, bounce, and movement. He specifically highlighted the selection of tall left-arm pacer Gurnoor Brar, emphasizing the team’s focus on long-term strategies for the upcoming World Cup.
Pathan emphasized the significance of having players who can adapt to challenging conditions, such as steep bounce. He praised Ishan Kishan for his ability to handle such conditions effectively and described him as a versatile option in the One Day International (ODI) setup. Pathan also stressed the importance of developing fast-bowling all-rounders, considering them crucial for success in South African conditions.
Expressing his views on player selections, Pathan advocated for giving opportunities to all-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy and extending chances to Shivam Dube in the ODI format. He encouraged selectors not to overlook Rishabh Pant despite his recent struggles in white-ball cricket, urging Pant to draw inspiration from players like Ishan Kishan and continue working hard towards a comeback.
As India gears up for the 2027 World Cup, the ongoing series against Afghanistan serves as a platform to test squad depth and explore various options ahead of the prestigious tournament.
