Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concerns over India's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, drawing comparisons between the team management under current head coach Gautam Gambhir and former coach Rahul Dravid. Speaking after India's ODI series defeat to England, Ashwin said the team lacks clarity in its planning and criticised what he described as an overreliance on makeshift all-rounders.

Ashwin identified the absence of a reliable backup for Hardik Pandya as one of India's biggest concerns. While Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube are being viewed as alternatives, Ashwin pointed out that injuries have also affected Nitish's availability. He argued that relying on players who are either unavailable or not fully prepared is not a sustainable strategy for a World Cup campaign.

Referring to the 2023 ODI World Cup, Ashwin praised the approach adopted under Rahul Dravid after Hardik Pandya's injury. He said the team management chose not to search for a direct replacement but instead adjusted its combination by continuing with five specialist bowlers. According to Ashwin, that approach provided stability and clarity within the squad, helping India reach the World Cup final despite losing a key all-rounder.

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Ashwin contrasted that with the current management's preference for "bits-and-pieces" cricketers, suggesting that the emphasis on multi-skilled players has not produced the desired results. He said Test cricket, in particular, requires specialists and argued that the management should prioritise players capable of winning matches with either bat or ball rather than relying on utility options.

Looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup, Ashwin recommended that India identify a core pool of 17 to 18 players and continue backing them over the next 14 months. He said the group should include two wicketkeepers, three spinners and five fast bowlers, with players rotated within that pool to determine the strongest possible playing XI before the tournament.

Ashwin concluded that a clear long-term vision is essential if India hopes to mount a successful World Cup campaign. He stressed that consistency in selection, defined roles and squad stability would be more valuable than frequent experimentation, adding that the current setup still lacks the clarity needed for a major global tournament.

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