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Team India’s new puzzle: What will the playing XI be like without Kohli-Pandya? Coach Gambhir’s ordeal
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Team India’s new puzzle: What will the playing XI be like without Kohli-Pandya? Coach Gambhir’s ordeal

me.sumitji@gmail.com 14 Jun 2026 1 day ago

The injuries of Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya have raised many questions before coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill. India’s 2027 ODI World Cup journey begins on Saturday at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala, where they will face Afghanistan in the first ODI of the three-match series. Who will bat at number three? If bowling coach Morne Morkel is to be believed, the management is considering rotating two or three batsmen at Virat Kohli’s No. 3 spot.
 

Team India's new puzzle: What will the playing XI be like without Kohli-Pandya? Coach Gambhir's ordeal

He told reporters that as far as the No. 3 slot is concerned, we will consider it during this series. Be it Ishan (Kishan), KL (Rahul) or Yashasvi (Jaiswal), this is a good opportunity. He said that we have some ODI matches coming up and we will give players a chance to play in different positions so that we can get a better idea of ​​how we want to build the team and what are the options we have.

The absence of Hardik Pandya has intensified the process of finding replacement options for India ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, and bowling coach Morne Morkel believes Nitish Kumar Reddy should get a chance. Morkel said that you always look at your options, whether it is batting, bowling or being an all-rounder. He said that unfortunately, Hardik is not able to play this series due to a minor injury just before joining the camp. But still, this is another chance for Nitish Kumar Reddy. He has been playing brilliantly for the last few years and has worked hard on his game. Like the new bowlers coming into the squad, players in this role also have an opportunity to step up and Might create problems for the selectors.
 

Morkel hopes that head coach Gautam Gambhir will give a chance to these young players in this series. He said that I have full confidence that Gautam will give these players an opportunity to play in the jersey of the Indian team. Representing India in international cricket is a completely different experience. We’re excited for him to get the opportunity. Meanwhile, after regaining fitness, Rohit Sharma also joined the practice session. Morkel said, “Rohit has passed all the fitness tests. He has received full approval to play. Even if there was a minor problem, there is nothing to worry about now. He has been practicing well and is completely fit. Looking forward to seeing him on the field.
 
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