The former India captain explains why Pandya's fitness is essential, discusses backup options and welcomes India's opening fixture against Australia in 2027.
Sourav Ganguly has outlined why Hardik Pandya remains central to India's plans for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. The former India captain stressed that getting Pandya fit and available is one of the biggest challenges facing the team management and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Ganguly acknowledged that Pandya does not play enough cricket but emphasised that India's balance depends heavily on his presence in the squad.
Speaking to JioStar following the schedule announcement for the 2027 World Cup, Ganguly detailed the options available to India if Pandya becomes unavailable through injury. He identified Nitish Reddy as the next best alternative, but added a condition that would apply if Reddy were to be considered as a backup to Pandya.
"I think Hardik Pandya is very important to India's balance in the World Cup. That's one of Gambhir's and the team's biggest challenges, to get him fit on the park. I don't think he plays enough cricket, but for India, the balance has got to be right. If Hardik is injured, the next best option is Nitish Reddy. But if they have to look at Nitish Reddy as a second option to Hardik Pandya, then he must play all cricket till the World Cup." Ganguly said in the above mentioned source.
"Jadeja is another option, whether they will look at him, because he is a terrific batter at number seven and is playing against the West Indies currently. But I think in October in South Africa, you will need a seaming all-rounder because none of the top five batters bowl. So you will have to get that fifth or sixth bowling option from somewhere. So that's an area where India needs to find the right person. And that's why I keep saying Pandya is very important," he added.
Ganguly's emphasis on a seaming all-rounder reflects India's specific requirements for the South African conditions in October. The former captain pointed out that none of India's top five batsmen bowl, making it essential to find a fifth or sixth bowling option from the middle order. This structural need underscores why Pandya's dual role as a batter and bowler makes him indispensable to the team's composition.
Ganguly identified Nitish Reddy as the primary backup if Pandya becomes unavailable, but stressed that Reddy would need to play consistently across all formats leading up to the World Cup. Ravindra Jadeja was mentioned as another option, with Ganguly noting Jadeja's batting ability at number seven and his current involvement in India's series against the West Indies.
Ganguly also discussed India's opening fixture in the tournament, noting a significant shift in the scheduling approach. He welcomed the decision to have India start against Australia rather than Pakistan, a traditional pairing in World Cup tournaments. Ganguly explained the reasoning behind this change and reflected on the current state of competition between the two nations.
"Good to see that India start with Australia because we are too used to India starting against Pakistan. You have to play two good teams at any stage. It doesn't matter whether it comes first or whether it comes later. I think the ICC has realised that India-Pakistan is no longer the India-Pakistan game in terms of the level of competition. Pakistan is too weak and India have been beating them for a long time," Ganguly said.
"I'm actually looking forward to the India-South Africa game, which will probably take place in the second round. South Africa is a gun team at the moment. Many of the regulars are not even a part of the squad which is playing Australia at the moment, and they have beaten them. Also, a World Cup in South Africa will be phenomenal. I was involved in SA20 last year, and the turnout for the franchise tournament was unreal. Every ground and every stand was full," he added.
South Africa remains a strong team despite the absence of several regular players from their current squad, and Ganguly expressed particular interest in the India-South Africa encounter. The former captain expects this match to occur in the second round of the tournament and drew on his experience with the SA20 franchise league to highlight the tournament environment in South Africa.