Head coach Gautam Gambhir has revealed that India’s roadmap for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 will be finalised by the end of the Indian Premier League 2026 season.

Also Read: Afghanistan–Sri Lanka white-ball series likely to be postponed amid West Asia tensions

Speaking shortly after India successfully defended their title at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on March 8, Gambhir said the team management would take a brief break before shifting focus to the next major ICC event.

The 2027 ODI World Cup will be played primarily in the challenging conditions of South Africa, with matches also set to take place in Namibia and Zimbabwe. With fast and bouncy pitches expected to test teams, Gambhir emphasised the need for early preparation.

“The planning for the 2027 World Cup will start after the IPL. There are 25 to 30 ODIs between IPL 2026 and the World Cup. This format is not played a lot these days. The earlier we start planning, the better it will be for us,” Gambhir said.

He added that the coming months will be crucial in identifying the right players and combinations suited to South African conditions.

“South Africa is not an easy place to play cricket. We have to figure out combinations and identify players who are suited to the conditions. The selectors and coaches will work on that. By the time IPL 2026 ends, India will have a blueprint for the ODI World Cup 2027,” he explained.

Meanwhile, senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to be under the spotlight when India next feature in ODI cricket.

India will return to the 50-over format on June 14 with a three-match series against Afghanistan national cricket team. The Afghan side impressed during the previous World Cup in India, narrowly missing a semi-final berth after Glenn Maxwell produced a record-breaking double century to guide Australia national cricket team to a famous win.

Following the Afghanistan series, India will travel to England for another three-match ODI assignment.

The performances in these matches could play a key role in shaping the futures of India’s experienced stars. Kohli has been in exceptional ODI form recently, piling up runs against South Africa national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team.

In contrast, Rohit endured a lean run during the New Zealand series but appears determined to bounce back strongly. The Indian captain has reportedly shed significant weight and has been training in Mumbai alongside young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

Before returning to international duty, both Rohit and Kohli will feature for their respective franchises in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, which could play a pivotal role in shaping India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup.