Delhi: The role of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is being considered very important for the Indian team in the ODI World Cup to be played in 2027. This tournament, to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will start from 2 October 2027. India will play its first match against Australia on 7 October at Newlands ground in Cape Town.

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In such a situation, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has given a big statement. He believes that Hardik is an important player for the Indian team.

He said, “I think Hardik Pandya is very important for India's balance in the World Cup. Keeping him fit on the field is one of the biggest challenges before Gautam Gambhir and the team. I don't think he plays enough cricket, but it is important for India to get the balance of the team right. If Hardik gets injured, then Nitish Kumar Reddy is the next best option. If Nitish Reddy has to be seen as the second option to Hardik Pandya, then he will have to play consistent cricket till the World Cup.”

Need for fast bowling all-rounder

Ganguly also stressed the need for a fast bowling all-rounder considering the conditions in South Africa. He said, “Jadeja is also an option because he is a brilliant batsman at number seven, but in South Africa in October, you will need a seaming all-rounder. The top five batsmen do not bowl, so the fifth or sixth bowling option will have to be taken from someone else. India has to find the right player in this position, so I say Hardik is very important.”

Competitions will be held on 12 grounds

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12 grounds have been selected for the ICC World Cup. There will be eight matches in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia. In South Africa, matches will be held in Johannesburg, Centurion, Cape Town, Durban, Gkebarha, Bloemfontein, Paarl and East London. At the same time, Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe will host the matches, while Windhoek in Namibia will host the matches.