Forgotten India Stars Who Could Return for 2027 World Cup

Several Indian cricketers have quietly fallen out of the national team due to injuries, team balance, or the rise of younger talent. However, with over a year until the 2027 ODI World Cup, there is still time for a comeback. Here are two veterans who could force their way back.

Yuzvendra Chahal last played an ODI in January 2023 and a T20I in August 2023, not due to poor form but because India preferred Kuldeep Yadav and later Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy. Still, Chahal has been performing consistently in domestic and county cricket, taking five wickets in three One-Day Cup matches for Northamptonshire with an economy of 4.53, and 12 wickets in 12 IPL games. With 121 ODI wickets in 72 matches at an average of 27.13, he remains a quality wrist-spinner. Though his return is difficult, strong domestic performances could make him a candidate for the World Cup.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, once India's premier swing bowler, has also faded from the scene. His last ODI was in 2022, but his experience in the middle overs and death bowling could be valuable. If he proves his fitness and form in domestic cricket, the selectors may consider him for the 2027 tournament.