Former India batter Suresh Raina has expressed strong confidence in India's side ahead of their scheduled clash with Pakistan at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Former India batter Suresh Raina has backed India to beat Pakistan comprehensively at the 2027 ODI World Cup, expressing strong confidence in the current Indian side.
The two sides are set to face each other on October 10, 2027, at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The tournament is being co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia and will feature 14 participating teams across its group stage.
Raina was emphatic in his assessment, pointing to India's strength across all three departments of the game. He praised the fearless batting approach and aggressive style that the current crop of Indian players has adopted, suggesting the team's overall quality sets them apart from their rivals at this stage.
Raina referenced India's previous World Cup triumphs in 1983 and 2011 while expressing hope that 2027 would bring a third title. He noted that Pakistan would also enjoy significant support from fans in South Africa, but maintained that India's overall quality gives them the edge heading into the tournament.
"The Indian team is too far ahead at the moment, in all departments. The way players have improved, the fearless approach they are batting with, and their aggressive style, I don't think it's like ever before. But India-Pakistan definitely brings more awareness for the fans, but I think the Indian team is far superior right now. It's a World Cup game, Pakistan will also have support in South Africa, but I think we have that quality team, bowlers with good pace and bounce who can handle pressure well. 1983, 2011, and hopefully, 2027, I think it's time to bring the third. The team will have the wishes and the prayers of our 1.4 billion population in India. And I think they will win that Pakistan game comfortably," Raina said while speaking to JioStar after the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 Schedule Launch.
A notable part of Raina's assessment focused on India's bowling resources. He specifically highlighted the quality of India's pace attack, pointing to their ability to generate good pace and bounce, which he believes will be a decisive factor in conditions across South Africa. Raina expressed confidence that these bowlers have the temperament and skill to handle pressure situations in a high-stakes tournament environment.
His remarks underline the belief that India's bowling unit, combined with their aggressive batting, gives them a well-rounded squad capable of competing at the highest level throughout the tournament. Raina did not single out individual bowlers by name, but his broader point about the team's depth and quality was clear.
When are the semifinals and final of the 2027 ODI World Cup scheduled?
Beyond the high-profile India versus Pakistan fixture on October 10, 2027, the tournament's knockout stage is also confirmed. The two semifinals are scheduled for November 17 and 18, 2027, with the final set to take place on November 21, 2027, also in Johannesburg.