(Image source from: AFP)
The BCCI selectors have already focused on about 20 potential players for the ODI World Cup 2027, and they will monitor their performance during the IPL 2026 season, according to a report from PTI. Even though the World Cup is still a year away, a BCCI insider informed PTI that the selectors already have a preliminary list of players. The members of the selection panel are expected to attend several games throughout the season. IPL 2026 is set to start on March 28, featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru versus Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. The BCCI insider mentioned that the selection group, made up of SS Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra, and Pragyan Ojha, will be present at the stadium and will also watch the IPL matches on television. "The BCCI aims for each selector to observe at least one match each week, which takes care of five matches per week from the stadium. Otherwise, they can watch on TV," the official commented.
The report also stated that it is unlikely for the selectors to consider the LA Olympics or the T20 World Cup 2028 while evaluating players during the IPL season. They are not expected to be on the lookout for any emerging stars for the World Cup.
While Harshit Rana will need more time to heal from his knee injury, the four fast bowlers being observed include Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh, along with the all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The selection committee seems unlikely to sacrifice team strength for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur from June 6 to 10, despite it not offering World Test Championship points. It is expected that with nine Tests scheduled from August to March, all the leading players in red-ball cricket, including the main bowlers, will be ready for the match.
Moreover, Bumrah and Siraj will still be part of the Afghanistan squad, unless they face any injuries during the IPL. "The India Test cap isn't meant for testing new players. For that, we have India A tours. Currently, in Tests, Bumrah, Siraj, and Prasidh are the top three bowlers on the selectors' list," the BCCI insider stated.The BCCI selectors have already focused on about 20 potential players for the ODI World Cup 2027, and they will monitor their performance during the IPL 2026 season, according to a report from PTI. Even though the World Cup is still a year away, a BCCI insider informed PTI that the selectors already have a preliminary list of players. The members of the selection panel are expected to attend several games throughout the season. IPL 2026 is set to start on March 28, featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru versus Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. The BCCI insider mentioned that the selection group, made up of SS Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra, and Pragyan Ojha, will be present at the stadium and will also watch the IPL matches on television. "The BCCI aims for each selector to observe at least one match each week, which takes care of five matches per week from the stadium. Otherwise, they can watch on TV," the official commented.
The report also stated that it is unlikely for the selectors to consider the LA Olympics or the T20 World Cup 2028 while evaluating players during the IPL season. They are not expected to be on the lookout for any emerging stars for the World Cup.
While Harshit Rana will need more time to heal from his knee injury, the four fast bowlers being observed include Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh, along with the all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The selection committee seems unlikely to sacrifice team strength for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur from June 6 to 10, despite it not offering World Test Championship points. It is expected that with nine Tests scheduled from August to March, all the leading players in red-ball cricket, including the main bowlers, will be ready for the match.
Moreover, Bumrah and Siraj will still be part of the Afghanistan squad, unless they face any injuries during the IPL. "The India Test cap isn't meant for testing new players. For that, we have India A tours. Currently, in Tests, Bumrah, Siraj, and Prasidh are the top three bowlers on the selectors' list," the BCCI insider stated.
