Who Are the Indian Pacers in Contention for a 2027 World Cup Spot? Top 5

Who Are the Indian Pacers in Contention for a 2027 World Cup Spot? Top 5 (Photo Source: Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Over the last few years, India have put an improved focus on the development of fast bowlers, which has left the side with ample depth in the department. India have a crop of skilled pace bowlers who can make an impact across all conditions, and in the lead-up to the ODI World Cup of 2027 in South Africa, competition for places in the side would be high.

With Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana all-but-guaranteed as fixes in the side, the remaining contingent will be looking to make a mark in the lead-up to the tournament due to securing their places for the marquee event. We take a look at the five most possible contenders out of the available options.

Here are 5 Indian fast bowlers in contention for places in 2027 WC:

5. Prince Yadav

Prince Yadav’s stocks have risen in the recent months, starting from a brilliant showing in the IPL where he took 16 wickets for an otherwise-dismal Lucknow Super Giants side. He was soon fast-tracked into the Indian side, making his ODI and T20I debuts in the tour of Ireland and England.

Prince has been an exciting pace-bowling prospect, who can move the ball both ways and bowls at high pace. What sets him apart is his ability to bowl yorkers with pinpoint accuracy, making him a viable option to have as a back-up for Jasprit Bumrah.

4. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh has become one of the first names on the team sheet in the T20I side, but has yet not been able to break into the ODI side to get a consistent run of games. The left-arm seamer has taken 30 wickets in 18 ODI matches that he has played, but has been unable to cement his place in the side.

What would help Arshdeep’s case would be his left-arm angle, which offers a difference point to India’s right-arm seamer-heavy attack. He has shown his value of being able to bowl in all phases of the innings and will be looking to stake a claim with performances across formats for the Indian side.

3. Gurnoor Brar

Having a 6’5″ fast bowler who constantly clocks over 145 kmph is a bonus to any cricketing side, and in Gurnoor Brar, India have found a pacer of that archetype. Brar, a highly-rated name in the domestic circuit has made a mark in his six ODIs, since debuting against Afghanistan in June. He finished the series as the leading wicket-taker, and took yet another four wickets in three matches in England.

Brar was fast-tarcked into the Indian set-up with the hope that his attributes would prove beneficial in South Africa, where the bouncy surfaces would suit his strengths. He will also be looking at the next few ODI matches to make a strong case for his inclusion.

2. Prasidh Krishna

Prasidh Krishna has become a regular feature in the ODI side, being one of the first names in the side during Harshit Rana’s prolonged absence, offering value with his hit-the-deck ability and high pace. He recently picked up a five-wicket haul against Afghanistan in Chennai, making inroads with the new ball as well.

Prasidh has been India’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs in 2026 with 13 scalps, and he will be looking to stake a claim for a place in the side in the next few matches. He has previously been picked for South African tours, although in the Test format, but his bowling style could prove crucial for India in the tournament.

1. Mohammed Shami

Any conversation regarding fast bowlers in contention for the World Cup should ideally include India’s highest wicket-taker in World Cups. Mohammed Shami has been prolific for India in World Cups, and his 55 wickets in just 18 wickets paint the picture of a player who can perform at the biggest stage.

While age may not be on his side, and with his last ODI appearance coming in early 2025, reasons to overlook Shami may be plenty, but his track record in the biggest ODI event in the calendar undeniably puts him forward as a potential contender. Shami was part of the Indian side that fell agonisingly short in the final in 2023, and he will be hoping for one last hurrah where he can lead the team to the title.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.